Pianora Erborista Vermouth
Bitters and Aperitifs
$40.00
Produced by Azienda Agricola Pianora, a winegrowing estate perched on the steep terraced slopes of Montorfano, a hill of tectonic origin marking the southern edge of Franciacorta in northern Italy, Wermut Erborista Formula XII is a vermouth that quietly defies convention. The base is certified organic wine from the Pianora sul Montorfano vineyard in Coccaglio, enriched through slow infusions of carefully selected herbs and spices. What sets it apart from virtually every other red vermouth on the market is what it leaves out: no added alcohol, no food coloring, no burnt sugar or caramel. That deep carmine red, with its brilliant reflections, comes entirely from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend used in the infusion, not from caramelized sugar, as is the norm. On the nose, elderflower and aromatic sweet flag take center stage. Three types of wormwood and the barks of Citrine Sandalwood and China calissaia (quinine) slowly infuse the wine with aromatics and a subtle, persistent bitterness. Two of the three wormwood varieties are sourced locally from the slopes of Montorfano itself, grounding the spirit firmly in its place of origin. Sweetness is kept deliberately restrained, achieved through native plants such as elderberry flowers and linden leaves rather than added sugar. The result is something closer to a meditation vermouth than a conventional aperitif, with dried-fruit aromas reminiscent of Port complementing a beautifully integrated sweetness, while the bitterness evolves and lingers long on the finish.
Available for pickup, local delivery, or shipping from 1128 W Armitage Ave, Chicago.