Pio Cesare Vermouth di Torino (75cl)

A vermouth from the Pio Cesare family in Alba, Piedmont, made to a family recipe from the early twentieth century and now run by the fifth generation. A blend of 26 herbs and spices, including wormwood, marjoram, gentian root and orange zest, is macerated for 15 days and combined with the house white wines, mainly Chardonnay with a touch of Moscato d'Asti. The vermouth is then aged in oak barrels for at least four months, and burnt sugar gives it an amber colour and gentle sweetness. The nose shows quinine, orange peel, coriander and apricot. The palate is medium to full-bodied and rich, with grapefruit and a snap of bitter herbs, leading to a bittersweet finish with lingering herbal and citrus notes.