Pio Cesare Vermouth di Torino

Pio Cesare Vermouth di Torino is an artisanal, highly complex, and deeply historic aromatized wine that marks the grand revival of a family tradition first started in the late 19th century. Having ceased production in the 1950s, the house resurrected this classic recipe using an proprietary blend of 26 secret botanicals—including wormwood (absinth), marjoram leaves, gentian roots, and cloves—macerated for 15 days before being blended with a white wine base of Chardonnay and Moscato d'Asti. It pours a beautiful, rich golden-amber color with bright orange hues, achieved naturally by adding traditional burnt sugar. The nose is incredibly intense and multi-layered, bursting with aromas of candied orange peel, dried apricots, and brown sugar, layered with balsamic tarragon, vanilla bean, and a holiday-baking spice profile redolent of fresh panettone. On the palate, this medium-to-full-bodied vermouth displays a velvety, honeyed sweetness balanced masterfully by a refreshing, snappy bitterness from the alpine herbs. Aged in oak barrels for at least four months to seamlessly integrate its flavors, it coats the palate with notes of sweet pears, almonds, and medicinal mint, leading to a long, beautifully balanced, bittersweet finish.

Food Pairing: Superb when enjoyed in the traditional Piedmontese style as a standalone aperitif or digestif served slightly chilled with nothing but a twisted slice of lemon peel. It also pairs spectacularly with rich charcuterie boards featuring salty prosciutto and gorgonzola, dark chocolate desserts, or toasted nuts.