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Martini launches Vermouth di Torino line

Martini has launched a new Vermouth di Torino line - Martini Reserva Speciale, which includes two variants, Rubino and Ambrato. 

Since 1863 Martini has been producing vermouth in the Piemonte region, on the same site where it was established over 150 years ago. Martini Reserva Speciale expresses the quality and authenticity of the original style of Vermouth di Torino, reclaiming its traditions while marking a first for Martini in launching two new complementary expressions together.

Carefully woven into the intricate design of the Martini Reserva Speciale label is the royal arms of the House of Savoy, the Kings of which first protected the term ‘Vermouth di Torino’ to prevent producers outside of the Piemonte region using the name. The new range seeks to boldly recognise and restore this once protected name of origin with other local producers, whereby Vermouth di Torino can only be assigned to expertly crafted vermouth using Italian wines and Artemisia herbs sourced from Piemonte that use the traditional methods and skills of the region.

Martini Reserva Speciale is described as a celebration of Piemonte, which begins with sourcing local Italian wines, including small parcels of Langhe DOC Nebbiolo and Moscato d’Asti DOCG. The delicately harvested grapes have been selected by Beppe Musso, Martini master blender, for their unique and internationally revered depths and flavours, which is essential to the final blending with the aromatic botanical extracts.

It is the first time Martini master herbalist Ivano Tonutti has selected a blend of three different types of local Artemisia, which grow in the nearby fields of Pancalieri, Piemonte. Along with Martini’s local partner, Cooperativa Erbe Aromatiche di Pancalieri, he is working to restore the region’s natural environment through regeneration of botanicals that were once cultivated in the past. “Roman Chamomile, used in the creation of Martini Reserva Speciale Ambrato, is one example of the aromatic herbs that we have successfully cultivated to ensure the environment is protected for future generations in our on-going quest for sustainability,” he says.

“These local herbs are then intricately married with exotic botanicals to create a blend that is prepared in the traditional style of the original vermouth. Reinstating the time honoured and traditional methods of the region, the botanical extracts are rested in Piemontese Tino, small oak vats, for a period of over two months. This creates a harmony in the character and taste of our vermouth.”

The small parcels of full-bodied Langhe DOC Nebbiolo wines used to create Martini Reserva Speciale Rubino are blended with extracts of Italian Holy Thistle and Red Sandalwood from Central Africa to deliver a bright ruby red vermouth, which inspired the name of the expression. The delicate balance of botanicals creates a full-bodied herbal and complex style of Vermouth di Torino with a long aftertaste.

The floral and aromatic blend of small parcels of Moscato d’Asti DOCG wines, used to create Ambrato, produces a beautifully honeyed Vermouth di Torino. The yellow Cinchona bark from Ecuador and Chinese Rhubarb create a light-bitter taste profile that aromatises and elevates the flavours of the wines.

Giuseppe Gallo, Martini global brand ambassador comments: “With over 150 years of history, Martini is proud to launch this new Vermouth di Torino to join its family of vermouths. Looking to the future, Martini Reserva Speciale Rubino and Ambrato encapsulate the forward thinking and passion of Martini, while restoring and respecting the deep understanding and traditional craftsmanship essential to creating a true Vermouth di Torino.”

15 June 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor