What is Vermouth Bianco?
DEFINITION OF VERMOUTH BIANCO
MARTINI® Bianco is the effortlessly elegant soul of Italian aperitivo culture. This white vermouth, crafted with a delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness, shines with a pale golden hue and a beautifully complex flavour. Whether sipped on its own over ice or stirred into a classic cocktail, it’s the perfect choice for laid-back afternoons and stylish soirées.
DISTINCTION FROM OTHER VERMOUTHS
Vermouth Bianco offers a different perspective in the family of sweet vermouths with a refined, floral-infused middle ground. Unlike dry vermouth, which leans towards a more aromatic crisp profile, or sweet vermouth, which carries deeper herbal notes, Bianco presents a harmonious blend of floral, citrus, and aromatic herbal notes. It’s smooth yet layered, making it a versatile choice.
ITALIAN ORIGINS OF VERMOUTH BIANCO
The origins of Vermouth Bianco trace back to Italy’s 20th-century ingenuity, particularly in Turin – a city that set the gold standard for aromatised wines. Martini Bianco was launched in 1910 dubbed as “Bianchissimo” for its bright and pale color. Over the centuries, vermouth’s reputation soared, with brands like MARTINI emerging as icons of Italian craftsmanship. What began as a local treasure quickly blossomed into a global icon, gracing tables from the heart of Milan to the vibrant streets of Manhattan.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF VERMOUTH BIANCO
FLAVOUR PROFILE
TASTE NOTES
Vermouth Bianco offers a delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness. Notes of vanilla, bright citrus zest, and a medley of carefully selected botanicals blend seamlessly, creating a flavour that’s both complex and sophisticated.
AROMATIC QUALITIES
The aromatic profile of Vermouth Bianco is essential to its character. Floral notes like rose add a subtle, soothing scent, while herbs like summer savory provide a crisp, earthy undertone. Together, these botanicals create a clean, layered fragrance that complements the drink, enhancing the flavour before you even take a sip.
APPEARANCE
COLOUR AND CLARITY
The pale colour of Vermouth Bianco catches the light with a delicate, golden hue. Its clear appearance allows it to showcase a smooth viscosity, giving it a light, silky texture that shimmers as it’s poured into the glass.
HOW IS VERMOUTH BIANCO MADE?
BASE GRAPE SELECTION FOR THE PERFECT WHITE VERMOUTH
Great vermouth starts with great wine, and the foundation of that is a carefully chosen neutral base. Grapes like Trebbiano and Airen are the stars here, their clean, crisp profiles providing the perfect blank canvas. These neutral white grapes allow the intricate botanicals to take centre stage, letting each layer of flavour shine through without being overshadowed.
INFUSION OF BOTANICALS
SELECTION OF HERBS AND SPICES
The soul of MARTINI Bianco lies in its botanical infusion, with each brand carefully balancing a unique blend to craft its distinctive flavour profile. Wormwood lends its signature bitterness, while citrus peels add a bright, zesty lift. Fragrant herbs such as rose buds for floral sweetness, coriander for a hint of spice, and angelica root for earthy depth interweave to create a beautifully complex character. Finally, subtle notes of and vanilla round out the flavour, adding warmth and smoothness to every sip.
HOW TO STORE VERMOUTH BIANCO?
Like any great wine, Vermouth Bianco deserves proper care. Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, refrigeration is key, this preserves its crispness and prevents oxidation, ensuring every glass is as vibrant as the first. A well-kept bottle typically remains fresh for up to a month.
HOW TO SERVE AND USE VERMOUTH BIANCO?
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
GLASSWARE & GARNISHES
A chilled wine glass or a sleek tumbler is the perfect vessel for Vermouth Bianco. A twist of citrus, fresh herbs, or a briny olive enhances its subtle flavours, adding that perfect finishing touch to your drink.
AS AN ITALIAN APERITIVO
Here, simplicity is key. Enjoy neat, over ice, or with a splash of soda water for a refreshingly light pre-dinner ritual.
Cocktails and Spritz
Beyond the aperitivo Vermouth Bianco shines in cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic Spritz or something with a herbal twist, its versatility makes it a cocktail lover’s dream.
MARTINI® BIANCO SPRITZ RECIPE SUGGESTIONS:
• MARTINI® Bianco Spritz: MARTINI Bianco, prosecco, soda, orange slice.
• Herbal Spritz: MARTINI Bianco, tonic water, fresh basil.
• Citrus Spritz: MARTINI Bianco, grapefruit soda, rosemary garnish.