Contratto Bitter

To wander through the caves at Giuseppe Contratto’s ancient winery in Canelli is to shake the living hand of almost 150 years of tradition of Italian wine and spirit production. The very first bottles of Italian methode champenoise were made here, as was the first vintage-dated Italian methode champenoise— Metodo Classico Extra Brut in 1919. The family also produced high quality spirits...the first Contratto Vermouth recipes date back to the 1890s. In the 1920s the family's Vermouth production increased as most of the Vermouth was exported due to its popularity as the 'it' drink of the Belle Epoch. Contratto Vermouth di Torino was the most fashionable of all brands in the 1930s.

Today, with recipes older than 100 years and passed on by generations, Contratto is very excited about the reintroduction of many historic products, such as high quality Vermouth, this liqueur 'aperitif' and another called 'bitters.' These two are the equivalent of Aperol and Campari yet made with all-natural products. In haute cuisine and mixologist circles, products such as these are in high demand as there is a fashionable artisanal revival of ingredients for classic and contemporary cocktails. And...Giorgio Rivetti of La Spinetta, the esteemed Piemontese producer is leading the way for Contratto. He has revived the property and is dedicated to resurrecting the treasured Italian tradition of exceptional aperitifs and digestifs.

We tasted and loved this alternative to Campari for creating glitzy drinks like the Mediterranean Pink Lady with Limoncello and/or as a simply refreshing aperitivo over ice with a slice of orange. On the nose Contratto Bitter is bright and fruity, packed with gentian, dried strawberry, black cherry blossom and licorice. This aperitivo is a perfect balance of bitter and sweet fruit. Made all naturally, this contains aloe, wormwood and orange peel and is colored with beets and carrots in lieu of artificial coloring.