Country of origin: Italy
Alcohol content: 16% ABV

The story goes that on 19 April 1870, a stockbroker, caught up in a discussion with colleagues whilst in the Carpano wine shop about the increase in share prices on that day—one and a half points—ordered his usual Carpano vermouth but asked for the barman to add half a measure of bitter, using the regional expression “Punt e Mes”. The drink immediately became popular as an aperitif before lunch, as recalled by the barman of the time Maurizio Boeris.

—Carpano, Fratelli Branca Distillerie.

As is expected from a chinato, quinine bitterness persists throughout the palate, providing a slightly astringent quality to the wine in contrast to the sweetness. A slight wormwood note contributes to the bitterness and mingles with notes of orange, cherry, plum, vanilla, and cassia. 

Enjoy in a Milano–Torino, full-bodied Manhattan or Negroni. Try as a substitution for sweet vermouth in cocktails.