portfolio ➜ origin ➜ Italy
Piemonte
Categories: Americano, Red Wine, Vermouth, Vino Amaro, Sparkling Wine, Quinquina/Chinato
Located in northwest Italy, the Piedmont region is perhaps Italy’s most esteemed and distinctive wine region: home of Barolo and Barbaresco; Barbera d’Alba and Barbera d’Asti; Dolcetto; Asti and Moscato d’Asti; as well as Alta Langa, Brachetto d’Acqui, Erbaluce di Caluso, Favorita, Friesa, Gavi di Gavi, Gattinara, Ghemme, Grignolino, Roero-Arnesis, Timorasso and Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato. Piemonte is also renowned for its classic Vermouth di Torino as well as its vino amaro. During the emergence of the modern vermouth trade, Piemonte was a part of the same political unit, the Kingdom of Sardinia, as Savoie, France — home of Vermouth de Chambéry.
Vermouth
Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Vermouth di Torino DOP
16.0% Alc/Vol
The last remaining example of appellation Vermouth di Torino to comply with all of the classical requirements, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino has been produced since 1891. Cocchi uses estate Moscato as the wine base, and vibrant, spicy botanicals such as cocoa, citrus, ginger, and rhubarb. In contrast with other popular Italian vermouths, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino retains wines of Piedmont as the base and avoids a heavy sheen of vanilla that clashes with other cocktail ingredients. Vermouth di Torino stands apart as one of only two protected geographical indications of origin for vermouth, and is the style referenced by classic cocktail books when discussing “Italian vermouth.” Full details
Cocchi “Dopo Teatro” Vermouth Amaro
16.0% Alc/Vol
The name ‘Dopo Teatro’ refers to the late-evening, “after theater” service at restaurants and cafes in Torino, a gathering time for a sip of something bittersweet and maybe a small bite to eat. This “vermouth amaro” (vermouth with added bitterness) uses Cocchi’s classic Vermouth di Torino as its base. From there, winemaker Giulio Bava adds a number of additional botanicals, including chiretta flowers and a double dose of cinchona bark. The result is a robust amaro that retains the refreshing acidity of the original Vermouth. Pair with spicy chocolate preparations, or mix with intense bourbons or ryes, mezcal, or gin. Full details
Americano
Cocchi Americano Rosa
16.5% Alc/Vol
Throughout its history, Giulio Cocchi has used the aperitif wine Americano profile to highlight the fine aromatic grapes of Piemonte. In Cocchi Americano Rosa, the Brachetto d’Acqui wine base provides the white rose and rich berry notes typical of the famous sparkling wine of the same variety, while the addition of rose and ginger to the traditional bitter base provides a rounder profile. Full details
Cocchi Americano Bianco
16.5% Alc/Vol
Made to the same recipe since 1891, this Moscato-based aperitif wine has long been a staple of Asti. While the Americano name implies a gentian focus, the wine also includes quinine and citrus for a flavorful, refreshing profile. In Piemonte it is served chilled with ice, a splash of soda and a peel of orange. Cocchi Americano Bianco’s combination of fruit, spice and bitter undertones can perfect a number of classic mixed drinks. This same profile makes it splendid pairing with all kinds of pickles, nuts, charcuterie and cheeses. Full details
Quinquina/Chinato
Cocchi Barolo Chinato
16.5% Alc/Vol
Renowned in Piemonte since its introduction in 1891, Cocchi Barolo Chinato is a wine of DOCG Barolo infused with quinine bark, rhubarb, ginger, cardamom, cocoa, and a variety of other aromatic spices. Round and rich, yet with the deep back palate one expects of Barolo, this wine possesses the definition necessary to be an ideal digestif or pairing with dark chocolate. Serve as you would a high-quality port or Madeira, or use in lieu of sweet red vermouth in a luxurious Manhattan. You would not be alone in finding this to be the Rolls Royce (or Maserati) of Italian dessert wines. Full details
Vino Amaro
Cardamaro Vino Amaro
17.0% Alc/Vol
Cardamaro is a longstanding product of what is today a 4th-generation winemaker in Canelli d’Asti. The primary flavors of Cardamaro are cardoon and blessed thistle, with a short repose in oak for spice and and texture. Drink as aperitif or digestif, outstanding with cider, or use in place of vermouth in many cocktails. Because of the subtle oak treatment, it is possible to use Cardamaro in place of bourbon or rye; combine with Dolin rouge for a lighter take on a Manhattan. Pair with saltier cheeses or charcuterie. Full details
Sparkling Wine
Cocchi Piemonte Brut NV
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Piemonte DOC
12.0% Alc/Vol • Méthode Charmat
Cocchi employs a classic blend of estate pinot nero and chardonnay for this sparkling wine, which adds intricacy, cut, and intensity to the rich apple, pear, and floral notes. Ideal as an aperitif or to make a particularly nice Spritz. Full details
Cocchi Alta Langa Bianc d’ Bianc 2010
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Alta Langa DOCG
12.5% Alc/Vol • Méthode Traditionnelle
DOCG Alta Langa is the top appellation for sparkling wines in Piemonte. The requirements are very strict, including use of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and at least 30 months for the second fermentation in bottle. Full details
Cocchi Alta Langa Bianc d’ Bianc 2009
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Alta Langa DOCG
12.5% Alc/Vol • Méthode Traditionnelle
DOCG Alta Langa is the top appellation for sparkling wines in Piemonte. The requirements are very strict, including use of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and at least 30 months for the second fermentation in bottle. Full details
Cocchi Alta Langa Rosa 2012
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Alta Langa DOCG
12.5% Alc/Vol • Méthode Traditionnelle
DOCG Alta Langa is the top appellation for sparkling wines in Piemonte. The requirements are very strict, including use of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and at least 30 months for the second fermentation in bottle. Full details
Cocchi Asti NV
7.0% Alc/Vol • Méthode Charmat
ASTI is produced by Cocchi through a slow fermentation in steel vats of the Moscato Bianco picked from the family’s Colline Astigiane vinyard in the Asti hills. Creamy and delicate to taste, with a very scented aroma. The label’s colors match the flags that parade at the start of the ‘Palio d’Asti’ festival. Full details
Cocchi Brachetto d’Acqui NV
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
7.0% Alc/Vol • Méthode Charmat
Cocchi makes Brachetto d’Acqui after a slow, controlled fermentation of its estate Brachetto grapes in steel tanks. Cocchi Brachetto d’Acqui is drier, higher-acid, and more defined than virtually any other example on the market, but it still has the fun and fruit for accompanying sorbet or cookies. Full details
Red Wine
Casa Brina Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato 2015
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG
12.0% Alc/Vol
Strikingly aromatic, with notes of rose petal, violet, black cherry and bitter almond, Casa Brina Ruchè di Castagnole Monferratto boasts a classic Piemontese structure and complexity, its firm tannins reminiscent of Nebbiolo (at a fraction of the price). With air, it takes on a gentle spice and rustic elegance. Approachable now, it should age well for more than a decade. Full details