Cinzano: an overview of the Italian brand's vermouths and champagne
Cinzano vermouths are known all over the world. This brand of alcohol is the main and only competitor of the famous "Martini". And even though its name has not become a household name, this drink has plenty of fans.
A little history of the Cinzano drink
The Cinzano company was founded in the middle of the XVIII century by brothers Carlo and Giovanni Cinzano. Initially, it was a small shop in Turin with its own distillery. However, the original recipe and non-standard approach to business turned the family enterprise into a real giant of the industry. By the mid-nineteenth century, both kings and commoners were drinking Cinzano drinks.
The trials of the XX century also failed to shake the brand's position. "Cinzano" honorably survived two world wars and the arrival of a competitor in the person of "Martini". Today, the brand's products are supplied to more than 100 countries. And in each of them it has an army of loyal fans.
Types of vermouth from Cinzano
Cinzano Bianco (Cinzano Bianco)
White vermouth with a strength of 15%. The taste is sweet, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, flavored with vanilla aroma. The aftertaste is delicate and refreshing.
Can be consumed neat or in cocktails with lemonades, citrus juices or mineral water. Proportions do not matter.
Cinzano Rosso
Classic dark red vermouth and the oldest drink of the company. Strength - 14.8%. The taste is rich and tart. The aroma is full of berries, spices and caramel. The aftertaste is spicy with a slight bitterness of wormwood and caraway seeds.
Ideal with apple juice, but can also be consumed neat. The main thing - do not forget to chill.
Cinzano Extra Dry
Light, dry vermouth with low sugar content. The strength is 14.8%. Bright fruity flavor combined with the aroma of herbs and flowers. They also give it a tartness that can scare off some people who like to drink pure alcohol.
On the other hand, this tartness makes Extra Dry an excellent ingredient for cocktails. Primarily based on gin or vodka. By the way, James Bond's original cocktail contained gin, vodka and dry vermouth.
Cinzano Rose
Vermouth based on rosé wine. Strength - 14.8%. Delicate taste, rich in fruit. The aroma is decorated with vanilla notes with interspersed cloves and cinnamon.
This flavored wine is an ideal dessert alcohol in the company of fruit or chocolate.
Cinzano Orancio
Amber drink with a strength of 14.4%. Taste - bittersweet, with a bright flavor of orange peel. The aftertaste is imbued with caramel and citrus flavors.
Similar to Rose, it is served with fruit desserts, but can also be used in cocktails.
Cinzano Limetto (Cinzano Limetto)
Exclusive vermouth of the company. Lime zest is used in its production, which gives it a bright citrus flavor.
Most popular in cocktails with vodka or gin. However, some gourmets prefer to drink it neat.
Sparkling wines from Cinzano
In addition to vermouths, Cinzano is known for its sparkling wines. Champagne has a delicate taste and goes well with fruits, desserts and seafood. The main rule is to serve chilled.
Asti D.O.C.G (Asti)
The most famous champagne of the brand. Made from white muscat, it has the highest quality mark of the Italian wine classification - D.O.C.G (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). "Asti combines a light fruity aroma of pears and peaches with a soft and rich flavor, where notes of honey and wild berries slip through. The aftertaste is short and refreshing.
This drink is suitable for both banquets and receptions, as well as for a quiet feast. Best served as an aperitif, with soft cheeses and fruit.
Prosecco D.O.C. (Prosecco)
Sparkling, dry wine made from Glera grapes. The quality of the drink is confirmed by the D quality mark.O.C (Denominazione di Origin Controllata). The champagne has a strong aroma of apples, honey and strawberries. Taste - bright, combining the sweetness of fruit and the sourness of dry wine.
The best company for this wine will be light snacks or seafood. It can also be used in cocktails, in combination with citrus juices.
Pinot Chardonnay (Pinot Chardonnay)
Two grape varieties are used to create this sparkling wine: Pinot and Chardonnay. The result is a complex flavor, decorated with a delicate aroma of fruit.
Similar flavors open up a wide range of serving options. Pinot Chardonnay can be served with white meat, cold vegetable soups or risotto.
Gran Sec
Dry sparkling wine. The taste is reminiscent of Prosecco D.O.C.", but more balanced. Fruit aroma is weakened, grape aroma is enhanced.
This alcohol should be served with grilled vegetables, cheeses, cold meat or seafood.
Gran Dolce (Gran Dolce)
Semi-sweet champagne, reminiscent of Asti D.O.C.G". It has a balanced flavor with aromas of flowers and honey.
Gran Dolce - dessert wine. Sweets, fruits or delicate appetizers. Pairing it is easy.
Cinzano Rose (Cinzano Rosé)
The latest addition to the Cinsano sparkling wine line. This is a sweet pink champagne, where the usual taste of fruit is replaced by a combination of strawberries and raspberries.
The producers themselves present "Rose" as a "wine for lovers". Another thing is that it tastes good not only for Romeo and Juliet. "Rose" will perfectly fit into a family celebration or a friendly party. The main thing is to serve it with fish, seafood or cheesecake.
How to drink Cinsano
The main recommendation for drinking Cinsano is to observe the temperature regime. Both vermouths and champagnes should be drunk chilled to a temperature of 8-12˚C. It's a good idea to add ice cubes to the glasses (except for sparkling drinks).
All wines are self-sufficient, so you can serve them neat so that your guests savor every sip. The main thing is to take care of snacks (what is suitable is written above for each alcohol separately).
If you are a cocktail lover, remember that Cinzano vermouths do not mix well with other alcohol. The exception is Extra Dry, whose herbal flavor is ideal for complex drinks. However, there are exceptions to every rule.
Update: 03.07.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth