It’s no secret to my colleagues in the retail shop that I love our vermouths. I think everyone should have a go-to classic cocktail that you can comfortably order at any bar. My first cocktail love was the Negroni, and yet it wasn’t until I tasted a glass of skillfully made red vermouth on its own that this love really clicked. The mesmerizing herbal and bitter flavors present in my Negronis came to life in that glass of vermouth. 
     Vermouth is a fortified wine that dates back to the 16th century in Germany and Italy and was originally created for medicinal use. “Vermouth” is the French pronunciation of the German word ‘wermut’ for wormwood. Like many producers, the Italian chef Federico Ricatto follows a special family recipe, using different herbs, barks, citrus, and spices to infuse his vermouth. His vision was to create Piedmontese vermouth that could stand on its own as an aperitivo or digestivo, and he named it “Bèrto,” the nickname for his nephew Albert, who was born around the time that Federico was reviving these 1930s recipes. In the era of self care, a few doses of vermouth might help cure any ailment, or at least warm your soul and put a smile on your face.
     Bèrto’s three vermouths are the most versatile and essential ingredient to have in your home bar. The Extra Secco vermouth has aromas of rosemary and pine resin that meld perfectly with an expressed grapefruit zest. It’s dry, so try it with your next Martini. Upon tasting the Aperitiv dla Tradission, the sweet white vermouth, my first instinct was to create a rum-based drink that would showcase the citrus and baking-spice notes that you commonly find in tiki drinks. The sweet red Ross da Travaj is the most herbaceous and bitter of the three. Try a lower ABV variation of the Hot Toddy if you’d like to experience its medicinal benefits. When paired with an herbal hibiscus tea and a squeeze of lemon, this cocktail is delightfully soothing and the perfect remedy for a sore throat. Finally, if you want to stick to a simple-but-delicious beverage, mix Fattoria Moretto’s fizzy Pignoletto—also included in this pack—with vermouth and a little sparkling water.
     Try using the Bèrto vermouths in your favorite classics—Negroni, Boulevardier, Manhattan, Bijou—or give one of our recipes a try!

** Here is one of the five recipes you will receive in your box along with your wines. **

Hibiscus Hot Toddy:
3 oz Bèrto Vermouth rosso “Ross da Travaj”
5 oz hibiscus tea
1/4 tsp honey

Steep hibiscus tea in boiling water. In addition, use boiling water to heat serving mug. Dispose of water. Add vermouth to hot mug to warm while tea is steeping. Mix in hot tea and honey, and garnish with lemon wedge.