MARTINI
MARTINI is more than the vermouth. It’s the story of two men with a vision. Of fertile land where expert winemaking meets wild botanicals. And of a legacy of craftmanship and expertise in every bottle.
They made an unlikely duo: a clever entrepreneur and a master herbalist. But when Alessandro Martini and Luigi Rossi took over the National Wine & Spirits Distillery in a small village near Turin, magic happened.
It was in 1863 that Martini’s enterprising spirit and Rossi’s creative genius were galvanised into a vermouth that has endured for more than 150 years: the inimitable MARTINI Rosso.
From the aromatic botanicals of the famous vermouth to the golden effervescence of the Asti wines, MARTINI’s influence has spanned continents and decades. Yet its essence will always be steadfastly rooted in the Piedmont region.
MARTINI BIANCO
Dubbed the ‘Bianchissimo’, or the whitest, for the vanilla flowers at its heart, MARTINI Bianco’s blend of herbs, flowers and white wines such as Trebbiano creates a bright, complex flavour.
TASTING NOTE. The sweetness of MARTINI Bianco & Tonic is beautifully complemented by savoury, aromatic flavours. Chargrilled artichokes are a wonderful match, or for something more adventurous, introduce some heat with a spicy red-chilli focaccia.
MARTINI EXTRA DRY
MARTINI Extra Dry’s rare woods, herbs, citrus and raspberry extracts are the pillar of the 20th century’s defining drink: the Dry Martini cocktail. First introduced on New Year’s Day 1900, after 10 years of development by Luigi Rossi’s sons, MARTINI Extra Dry has at its heart the violet-scented tartness of Florentine Orris – iris roots grown for three years before being sun-dried.
TASTING NOTE. The exceptional crispness of a MARTINI Extra Dry cocktail stands up well to sharp, acidic flavours, and will cut straight through rich foods, such as oily fish. Try it teamed with the silvery, acidic richness of marinated sardines or anchovies.
MARTINI ROSSO
The original MARTINI, and our first love. When Luigi Rossi blended local botanicals to craft this scarlet-hued vermouth, he created an indisputable icon. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, this sweet vermouth’s intensely herbal character is the result of blending carefully chosen wines with a complex selection of Italian herbs, including sage, savory and dittany, and bitter-sweet exotic woods.
TASTING NOTE. The aromatic and herbal notes of MARTINI Rosso & Tonic balance perfectly with rich, salted nibbles. For a quick aperitif, pair it with a simple bowl of olives or salted almonds, or for something more substantial, try a cheese and charcuterie board with salami, cured hams and Pecorino cheese.
