Cappelletti Apertivo 750ml.

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.

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.

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.

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