Cinzano 1757 rosso vermouth review

This premium bottling does not disappoint and does everything you'd want from an Italian rosso, and then some. The aromas of this bottle are magnificent, a seductive maelstrom of bitter coffee and cinnamon, thyme and candied fruits.

The complexity of the nose is a great indicator of how many flavours are competing for attention on the finely balanced palate.

Your tongue is flooded by a multitude of dark fruits, all led by an unmissable burst of cherry that lingers throughout the experience. These fruits are joined by a distinct oakiness, punches of cinnamon and just the right amount of wormwood. Overall, it's an incredibly impressive vermouth that doesn't fall into the trap of being overly sweet, as can be the case with many rosso vermouths.

This goliath of the aperitif world comes from humble beginnings. In 1757 the Cinzano business was founded as a confectionary store – their shop was home to sugary treats and preserves but also stocked syrups, liqueurs and oils.

The shop allowed the brothers to explore distillation and eventually begin producing vermouths. Artistic packaging, rebrands and advertising helped establish Cinzano as a household name.

The mythology of the company is cemented throughout pop culture, with their Santa Vittoria cellars inspiring a famous Robert Crichton novel and their adverts, some ranked among the best commercials of all time, sparking the famous toast ‛cin cin’.

Of course though, the big one, the one way that any brand can guarantee instant fame – Cinzano is noted as the drink of choice for Bryn in the sitcom Gavin and Stacey.

The perfect pour

Definitely give this a go by itself over ice first as there's plenty to be admired before the drink is mixed.

Once you've savoured this vermouth in all its glory, use it in a Martinez. Pour 1½oz of Bombay Sapphire, 2oz of Cinzano 1757 rosso and ¼oz maraschino liqueur into a mixing glass, stir well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel, twisted over the glass.

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This review was last updated in August 2019. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.