Contratto Rosso Vermouth
Contratto Rosso Vermouth is an exceptional Italian sweet vermouth from one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious wine and spirits producers, with a history dating back to 1867 in the Piedmont region. Crafted by the historic Contratto winery using traditional methods and a proprietary blend of over 30 botanicals including local herbs, spices, and roots from the Piedmontese Alps, this vermouth showcases the authentic character and complexity that defines premium Italian vermouth. Made with high-quality Piedmontese wines as its base and infused with botanicals through patient maceration, Contratto Rosso delivers rich, bittersweet character with layers of herbal, spicy, and citrus complexity that elevate it beyond commercial vermouths. The result is a sophisticated, aromatic vermouth that works beautifully in classic cocktails while offering enough depth and refinement to be enjoyed simply over ice as an elegant aperitif. Contratto's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional production methods has earned it recognition among bartenders and vermouth enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian expressions with genuine complexity.
On the nose, Contratto Rosso presents a rich bouquet of herbs, orange peel, and warm spices with notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, chamomile, and subtle Alpine botanical complexity. The palate delivers a beautifully balanced bittersweet experience where gentle sweetness meets pronounced herbal bitterness and aromatic botanicals, creating layers of flavor with notes of citrus, roots, cinnamon, gentian, and silky wine character. The finish is elegant and lingering with herbal bitterness, orange, spice, and a pleasant complexity that invites contemplation. This vermouth excels in classic cocktails like Negronis and Manhattans where its complexity and balance allow it to shine as a key ingredient rather than just a modifier, works beautifully in Americanos and spritzes with soda and orange, and is equally rewarding served simply over ice with an orange twist as a sophisticated aperitif. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast seeking premium vermouth that elevates classic drinks to their full potential, exploring authentic Italian vermouths from historic producers, or looking for versatile aperitif spirits that bridge sipping and mixing applications, Contratto Rosso Vermouth delivers Piedmontese tradition and the rich, complex character that has made Italian vermouth an essential cornerstone of cocktail culture for over a century.