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Aperitivo Cappelletti

  • Traditional Italian red bitter for the Spritz
  • Pleasant dry finish from a traditional wine base
  • Yields a less sweet, more balanced Negroni or Americano
  • Color is natural, from the traditional carmine red
  • Venerable producer of aperitivi and amari in Alto Adige
  • Legal for all wine/beer licenses; works well in beer cocktails

The Aperitivo Cappelletti, endearingly known to locals as just “Specialino”, may be the oldest style of the classic red bitter still in production. Unlike its larger commercial rivals, Cappelletti is less sweet and has a wonderful drying finish. Additionally, it still uses natural carmine color for a crimson red and retains a vinous texture from its wine base. It offers a vibrant and flavorful profile, complemented by bitter undertones on a traditional wine base. This yields a Negroni or Spritz that is dry and refreshing in the finish. It is made just outside of Trento in Alto Adige by the Cappelletti family, who also produce a number of other exceptional aperitivi and amari.

The story of the “Spritz” we commonly see in Italy today shares a history with Cappelletti in the Triveneto. This drink is most typically a combination of a red bitter with wine, soda, and a slice of orange. Cappelletti is a true ace for wine-and-beer licensees. A Spritz ramps up the appetite at lower pour-cost than wine-by-the-glass. For beer bars, Cappelletti combines well with French farmhouse ales or Radler-type beers for intense refreshment. The acidity from Cappelletti’s wine base makes a Negroni drier, and more drying, on the palate, which stimulates the appetite and promotes food and wine sales.

unopened, store verticallyunopened, store vertically
keeps 0-2 years
(50-65ºF)
once openedonce opened
keeps 6-8 weeks
(refrigerate)
serving suggestionserving suggestionserving suggestionserving suggestion
pour varies
(55-59ºF)

About Antica Erboristeria Cappelletti

The producer, which goes by the full name Antica Erboristeria Cappelletti, was first established in 1906. For most of their first century they were located in the historic Piazza Fiera in the center of Trento. Today they are located 20 km south of Trento in Aldeno, surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards. As the name would suggest, the firm was and is still today focused on products from traditional herbs, roots and flowers. They achieved fame in the region for their productions of amari and aperitivi, including the classic red bitter Aperitivo Cappelletti. All production is done in house by the fourth generation of the family, Luigi and Maddalena Cappelletti. Full details

About Red Bitter Aperitif

While the base origin of all spritzes is the “Spritzer” (the soda siphon), the story of the “Spritz” we commonly see in Italy today shares a history with Cappelletti in the Triveneto. This drink is most typically a combination of a red bitter with wine, soda, and a slice of orange. Legend has it that the Emperor Franz Ferdinand enjoyed the bitter and sour notes when adding citrus into certain wines. During the First World War, soldiers of the Austrian Empire would order the Spritz to add depth to the local wine. Locals would counter that the Austrians could not handle the local bitter aperitivi without some dilution. As important as taste is the color, with Carmine (Cochineal) being a great source of pride (and wealth) for the region. This is because the all-natural color from carmine is a stunning crimson red, long prized in garments, food, and drink. Other, modern, iterations of red bitter use vegan-friendly color—all-natural flowers and fruits in the case of Cappelletti's Aperitivo Mazzura. Full details

RECIPES See all 37 recipes for this product 37 recipes available at https://alpenz.com/productrecipes-cappelletti_aperitivo.html

Boulevardier

Stir with ice:

1 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

1 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti

1 oz Dolin Rouge Vermouth de Chambéry

Strain into a double rocks glass filled with ice.

Garnish with an orange twist.

Haus Negroni

Stir with ice:

1 oz Hayman’s Royal Dock Navy Strength Gin

1 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti

1 oz Dolin Rouge Vermouth de Chambéry

Strain into a double rocks glass filled with ice.

Garnish with an orange peel.

The Roadie

Build in a pint glass:

2-3 ice cubes

2.5 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti

12 oz Stiegl Grapefruit Radler

Garnish with an orange slice.

The Spritz

Build in a goblet or double rocks glass filled with ice:

1 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti

1.5 oz club soda

1 splash sparkling wine (optional)

Garnish with an orange wheel.

SKU Vintage Region Origin Desc Cepage % Alc Size/Pack Finish BTL Barcode Cs Barcode Cs Wgt
HZ 9300NVTrentino-Alto AdigeITBitter; Wine-basedPinot Bianco, Garganega,Trebbiano17.0%750/12screwcap8018571001021801857101102017.30 kg