What is Cinzano?
First founded in 1757, Cinzano is one of Italy’s most iconic vermouth and sparkling wines brand. With a diverse product portfolio, it strives to provide only the very best in taste and quality.
Cinzano’s vermouth offering includes Cinzano Rosso, Cinzano Bianco, Cinzano Extra Dry, and finally Cinzano’s crafted range, 1757 Vermouth di Torino G.I. Rosso and Extra Dry. Its sparkling wine range includes the Editions range, made up of three sparkling wines, including Dry, Sweet and Rosé. For something a little more special, its Cuvée Storica range includes four more premium expressions, including a Prosecco D.O.C., Asti D.O.C.G., Brachetto D’Acqui D.O.C.G. and Pinot Chardonnay.
Where is Cinzano produced?
Cinzano originates from Pecetto, a small hamlet nestled in the hills of Torino, Piedmont and is still produced in Italy to this day, continuing to pay homage to its heritage.
How many years has Cinzano been produced?
The house of Cinzano was founded in 1757, while its vermouth production began in the years after. Following the success of this range, Cinzano then ventured into the production of sparkling wines in the mid-1800s.
How does Cinzano manage to maintain the production of vermouth and sparkling wines, they seem so different?
While the production process for Cinzano vermouth is very different to that of Cinzano sparkling wines, with each having their own safely-guarded recipes, both products have one vital ingredient in common, the use of grapes. Nearly three centuries of wine making expertise handed down over generations and today, handled by the expert enologist of the Group.
What is the intended usage occasion for Cinzano?
Cinzano, vermouth and sparkling wines, is intended to be enjoyed during genuine moments, emphasizing that the everyday is worth celebrating. The perfect accompaniment to food, they can be enjoyed during a meal with friends or simply on their own, when raising a toast to life.
How is Cinzano vermouth produced?
The signature Cinzano vermouth extracts are derived through traditional methods that have remained unchanged since the time of the Cinzano Brothers. These processes include hot and cold maceration, distillation, and percolation. These intricate steps, taking approximately 60 days for Cinzano Classico and 90 days for 1757 Vermouth di Torino G.I., are crucial in creating the distinct and high-quality vermouth that Cinzano is famous for.
The extraction process begins with whole botanicals, and the Herbalist & Master Blender prepares each signature extract using methods such as maceration, cold pressing, distillation, and percolation. These extracts are then blended with a neutral wine base, chosen for its ability to enhance flavors, as well as sugar or caramel and neutral alcohol, according to secret recipes closely guarded by Cinzano.
After blending, the mixture requires a resting period of 6-7 days for the aromas and flavors to meld together. Once the desired harmony is achieved, the vermouth undergoes clarification and filtration to attain a clear and stable liquid. An additional resting period of 2-3 days is necessary at this stage.
Finally, the vermouth is bottled, marking the last stage of the production process. It is then ready to be distributed worldwide for everyone to enjoy.
How is Cinzano sparkling wines produced?
Cinzano Sparkling Wines are born from a process that transforms centuries of know-how and passion into a symphony of flavors and aromas.
We still follow the celebrated Charmant Method to create sparkling wines with freshness, and bubbles.
Liquer de Tirage
The first step in production involves adding a sugar-based syrup known as liqueur de tirage to the base wine, which comprises different types of yeast and varying quantities of fermented grape must. Although the syrup is not required for grape varieties such as the Moscato (since their sugar content is already very high), it is essential to the creation of drier sparkling wines. Moreover, it is important to preserve the original aromas of the grape in the wine so only the yeast strains most suited to starting the secondary fermentation process are added.
Fermentation
The richness of the aromas is preserved through a secondary fermentation process which takes place at a strictly controlled temperature of between 14°C and 18°C, or even lower in most cases, so as not to lose the aromas that will form the main characteristics of the wine, and lasts for around one month. The length of time the yeast remains in the wine depends on the grape variety and precise choice.
Sweet and aromatic wines do not need to sit on the yeast for long periods; dry wines, on the contrary, may need to ferment for several months. The shorter this period, the fresher and more effervescent the wine will be due to its higher acidity, with all these elements contributing to balancing the sweetness of the wine.
Filtration
The sediment (the remains of the yeasts after fermentation) is removed as the liquid passes through filtration and cooling. For Asti, the sweetness is retained thanks to the filtration that removes the yeasts and stops fermentation,
naturally leaving residual sugar in the wine.
Bottling & Dosage
After the froth has cooled in the fermentation tanks, the sparkling wine is carefully bottled using isobaric machines, helping to transfer the pressure that is inside the autoclave to the bottles, preserving the richness of aroma that characterizes our sparkling wines.
What are Cinzano Rosso tasting notes?
A fragrant blend of black cherry and vanilla, with a touch of caramel creaminess, makes for a subtle sweetness, smooth and spicy, with a complex bitter edge and a botanical artemisia finish.
Color: Amber.
Nose: Aromatic mix of vanilla and black cherry, with a hint of creamy caramel.
Taste: Hint of sweetness opens to spices and complex bitterness before a botanical finish of artemisia.
ABV: 15%
What are Cinzano Bianco tasting notes?
Cinzano Bianco sweet flavor reveals notes of fruit, vanilla and cinnamon that linger on the tongue with a bittersweet aftertaste.
Color: Light yellow
Nose: Delicate white peach, flower blossom and freshly spiced marjoram, with after notes of fresh thyme.
Taste: Hints of fruit, vanilla bean and cinnamon lead to a bittersweet persistent finish.
ABV: 15%
What are Cinzano Extra Dry tasting notes?
Cinzano Extra Dry ingredients offer a pleasant, mouth-warming flavor of mint, sage and oregano, delivering a crisp, fresh, and gently bitter end.
Color: Pale yellow with green hues.
Nose: Fresh mint, sage and oregano, with a hint of spice and wine notes.
Taste: A pleasant and dry herbal flavor with a crisp and mildly bitter finish.
ABV: 18%