Cinzano
Cinzano is one of Italy's most historic vermouth and sparkling wine houses, tracing its origins to Turin in the 18th century. The brand is best known for its aromatized, fortified wines—vermouth flavored with botanicals, herbs, and spices—that have become staples in classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Manhattan, and Americano.
Today Cinzano offers a familiar range of vermouths, including Rosso (sweet red), Extra Dry, and Bianco (sweet white), alongside a line of Italian sparkling wines. Widely available and affordably priced, it remains a go-to choice for both home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts looking for an authentic Torino-style vermouth.
Cinzano is one of Italy's most historic vermouth and sparkling wine houses, tracing its origins to Turin in the 18th century.
Read more about Cinzano
Cinzano is one of Italy's most historic vermouth and sparkling wine houses, tracing its origins to Turin in the 18th century. The brand is best known for its aromatized, fortified wines—vermouth flavored with botanicals, herbs, and spices—that have become staples in classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Manhattan, and Americano.
Today Cinzano offers a familiar range of vermouths, including Rosso (sweet red), Extra Dry, and Bianco (sweet white), alongside a line of Italian sparkling wines. Widely available and affordably priced, it remains a go-to choice for both home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts looking for an authentic Torino-style vermouth.
History and Heritage
Cinzano's roots reach back to Turin in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, where the Cinzano family established themselves as distillers and vermouth producers in the 1700s. The company built its reputation on the tradition of Turin vermouth, a style of aromatized wine that flourished in the region thanks to access to Alpine botanicals and local wine.
Over the centuries Cinzano grew into an internationally recognized brand, with its distinctive red-and-blue logo becoming a familiar sight across Europe and beyond. The house expanded from vermouth into sparkling wines, cementing its place as one of Italy's iconic aperitivo names. Cinzano is today part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio, which has continued to distribute the brand worldwide.
Production and House Style
Cinzano vermouth is made by fortifying a wine base and infusing it with a blend of botanicals—herbs, roots, barks, and spices—that give each expression its characteristic flavor. Wormwood (the traditional bittering herb behind the word vermouth) is a defining component of the aromatic profile.
The house style spans the classic vermouth categories. Cinzano Rosso is a sweet red vermouth with caramel color, warming spice, and gentle bitterness, ideal for stirred cocktails. Cinzano Extra Dry is pale, crisp, and more herbaceous, designed for Martinis and dry serves. Cinzano Bianco is a sweet white vermouth with floral, vanilla, and citrus notes, often enjoyed chilled over ice.
Alongside its vermouths, Cinzano produces sparkling wines including Prosecco and Asti-style bottlings, reflecting its Piedmontese heritage and its focus on approachable, aperitivo-friendly drinks.
Buying and Serving
When buying Cinzano, choose the expression based on how you plan to use it. Rosso is the workhorse for Negronis, Americanos, and sweet Manhattans; Extra Dry is best for Martinis and lighter aperitifs; and Bianco shines served simply over ice with a twist of lemon or a splash of soda.
Because vermouth is a wine-based product, it should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within a few weeks to a couple of months for peak flavor—unlike spirits, it will oxidize and fade over time. Store unopened bottles upright in a cool, dark place.
Cinzano's accessible price point makes it an easy choice for stocking a home bar. Buying a red and a dry (or white) vermouth together covers the majority of classic cocktail recipes, and the sparkling wines round out the range for celebratory and casual pours alike.