Founded in 1757, Cinzano is now a global Italian vermouth icon. The brand came from the humble beginnings of a small herbal shop in the Italian alps of Piedmont, Italy, started by two brothers, Giovanni Giacomo and Carlo Stefano Cinzano.
Cinzano vermouth gets its signature bitterness from a blend of herbs and spices, such as artemisia, wormwood, and clove. A contrasting sweetness from fruits and sweet cooking spices completes the bittersweet flavour profile.
The Cinzano range of vermouths is ideal for lovers of fortified wine, packing a bittersweet kick. The medium-sweet zesty Cinzano Bianco, the richness of Cinzano Rosso, and not forgetting the incredible crispness of Cinzano Extra Dry.
Best Cinzano Vermouth’s
With thirty-five different herbal ingredients infusing these unique aromatic wines, the best Cinzano vermouths are well-balanced and full of flavour. Here are 5 to consider.
1. Cinzano Bianco Vermouth
Overview
- Distiller: Cinzano International
- ABV: 15% (30 Proof)
- Country: Italy
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
Cinzano Bianco became a popular aperitif after World War II. Still, today it continues to entice drinkers with its medium-sweet wine infused with blends of herbs and spices, such as artemisia, gentian root, clove, cinnamon, and citrus fruits.
On The Nose
Delicate aromas of white peach with hints of flower blossoms and subtle spices.
On The Palate
An opening medley of semi-sweet citrus, decadent vanilla and cinnamon mid-palate, ending with a lingering bittersweet finish of spice and herbs. Also, consider trying Martini Bianco.
Best Served
Cinzano Bianco can be enjoyed neat on rocks of ice and garnished with a slice of vibrant lemon and a duo of olives in a Bianco on the Rocks. If you prefer to mix it, soda water is an excellent addition to bringing out the vermouth flavours.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
Overview
- Distiller: Cinzano International
- ABV: 15% (30 Proof)
- Country: Italy
- Colour: Amber
Review
The original vermouth, known as the Vermouth of Turin, is an infusion of Italian red wine with 35 herbs and spices that paved the path for vermouths today. Ingredients include marjoram, thyme, musk yarrow, nutmeg, coriander, juniper, clove, and orange peel, with the addition of sweet caramel.
On The Nose
Spicy nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon notes. Decadent aromas of creamy vanilla caramel quickly take over, with traces of dark fruits lingering in the background.
On The Palate
A smooth, subtle fruity sweet opening before bitterness from the red wine tannins and spices envelops the mouth. Bitter artemisia and clove stand out on the finish.
Check out my article on 8 sweet vermouths if you need a touch more sweetness.
Best Served
Although serving it in a highball with ice, topped with soda water allows you to enjoy the full complex flavours of Cinzano Rosso. It’s also a great mixer in a Manhattan cocktail, mixed with rye whisky garnished with a luscious red cherry.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth
Overview
- Distiller: Cinzano International
- ABV: 18% (36 Proof)
- Country: Italy
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
Cinzano extra dry vermouth is a fortified wine infused with fourteen ingredients of herbs, roots, and bark, including chamomile and rose petals providing a dryer profile.
On The Nose
The fresh fragrances of thyme spring out as wafts of vegetal aromas from the mint, sage, and oregano follow. Finally, notes of spicy wine and earthy scents linger in the air.
On The Palate
On tasting, dry and crisp with herbal notes and floral accents. It has a mildly bitter flavour due to the herbs and tree bark but a well-rounded quality.
Best Served
Even though it is dry, it is still an exceptional addition to a refreshing cocktail. Try it in a Rome With A View cocktail mixing equal parts of Campari, Cinzano extra dry, and lime juice with a dash of simple syrup to sweeten things up and garnish with a juicy wheel of orange.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso
Overview
- Distiller: Cinzano International
- ABV: 16% (32 Proof)
- Country: Italy
- Colour: Reddish Brown
Review
The Cinzano 1757 Vermouth Di Torino Rosso was inspired by the original recipe created by two brothers. A tribute to the range that started in 1757, this hand-crafted vermouth was launched in 2015 and produced in small batches with bottles individually numbered.
On The Nose
There is a complex mix of spices, including woody notes and rooty aromas. Vanilla wafts up with traces of dried fruit and wormwood (think absinthe). Hints of ripe plum also delight.
On The Palate
Fruity, with cooking spices, including clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, merge with complementing traces of wood, root, and bark notes shining through. Finally, a smooth and semi-sweet finish.
Best Served
1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso will certainly add something special for the Ultimate Sangria
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. 1757 Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry
Overview
- Distiller: Cinzano International
- ABV: 18% (36 Proof)
- Country: Italy
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
The second in the range of Cinzano 1757 vermouths that also launched in 2015 is the extra dry vermouth from Casa Cinzano, which is fresh and dry. Using bases of Italian wines and infusing them with the finest aromatic botanicals to enrich the wine with the flavour of Alpine hills.
On The Nose
Warm spices interlaced with hints of citrus and traces of bitter wormwood.
On The Palate
Sage, thyme and mint collide with hints of citrus florals of lemon and orange blossoms mid-palate. The finish is undoubtedly dry, with an afterglow of warm spices, apple peel and bitter wormwood.
Best Served
The dryness is beautifully suited for a sophisticated 1757 Daisy with servings of apple marmalade syrup, sugar, and cinnamon, garnished with a sliver of apple.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
My favourite Cinzano vermouth is Cinzano Rosso Vermouth because it’s so versatile. Its delicious blend of spice, fruit and bitterness can be enjoyed neat or to boost any cocktail.
Cocktail Ideas
| No. | Spirit | Cocktail Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cinzano Bianco Vermouth | With soda and lemon, Vesper Martini |
| 2 | Cinzano Rosso Vermouth | Negroni, Manhattan, Americano |
| 3 | Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth | Classic Martini, Dry Vermouth & Tonic |
| 4 | 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso | Boulevardier, Torino Manhattan |
| 5 | 1757 Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry | Vermouth & Soda with a lemon twist |
Conclusion
Fortifying wines mixed with mature botanicals provide a range of Cinzano vermouths that are a great addition to cocktails and (of course) make excellent aperitifs. Cinzano has become world-renowned as the go-to brand for the ultimate vermouth quality.
Also Read: 8 Best Gins For A Martini
Cinzano remained a family-owned business until 1985. Then, in 1999 Gruppo Campari bought the entirety of the company. Almost three centuries later, the Cinzano brand has exploded into one of the go-to mixers for bartenders in the cocktail world.
Don’t forget to check out my other vermouth-related article; 5 Classic Vermouths From The Iconic Martini Brand
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
