Vermouth Torino Blanc Bio

This vermouth is made in Bubbio, in the Langa Astigiana, in southern Piedmont, the region where vermouth was born in the 18th century around Turin. The Torelli family, who have farmed their vines organically since 1987 and produced Italy's first certified organic wine, carry on a family tradition here: a distant cousin, Adolphe Torelli, who emigrated in 1917, worked as a bartender at the Palais d'Hiver in Nice. The base wine comes from these slopes, part of the vineyard landscapes of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.

This vermouth falls under the Vermouth di Torino geographical indication, which requires a base made up mostly of wine, flavoured with an infusion of botanicals including wormwood (the famous absinthe) grown in Piedmont, then lightly sweetened and fortified with added alcohol. The ingredients are organically grown, like the estate's wine. The white version of the range, it stands out for its pale colour and a more floral, softer profile than the dry, while keeping the herbal bitterness characteristic of wormwood. The estate does not disclose its recipe.

This vermouth reveals notes of wormwood, elderflower, lemon peel, bitter orange, vanilla, chamomile, acacia honey and coriander. The nose combines lovely citrus freshness with herbal and floral notes. The palate is round and smooth, balanced by a delicate bitterness that builds gradually. The long, aromatic finish leaves a sensation that is both soft and invigorating, ideal over ice with a twist or topped up with sparkling water.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!