Vermouth was born in Torino in 1786, when Antonio Benedetto Carpano created the formula for the first modern vermouth in his shop in Piazza Castello. Since then, this drink flavoured with Alpine herbs and spices has become a symbol of Italian aperitivo culture and a cornerstone of mixology around the world.
The history of Vermouth is intertwined with that of the city. The House of Savoy adopted it as the court's drink, and within a few decades Torino became the world capital of Vermouth. Brands such as Cinzano, Martini and Carpano were all born here, exporting the Piedmontese taste to every continent.
Today, Vermouth is enjoying an extraordinary revival. New artisan producers are rediscovering the original recipes with local botanicals, and the bars in the centre offer tastings that tell the story of the different expressions of this drink: from the classic sweet red to the dry, from white to extra-dry.
The aperitivo hour in Torino is a sacred ritual. Between 6 and 8 pm, the historic cafés under the porticoes fill up with Torinesi sipping their Vermouth alongside grissini, olives and snacks. Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the Quadrilatero Romano and San Salvario are the liveliest neighbourhoods for aperitivo. For a regal experience, the royal aperitivo after a visit to Palazzo Reale combines culture and taste in a single afternoon.
Those who want to deepen their knowledge of Piedmontese spirits cannot miss a visit to the Distilleria Gualco, where the tradition of artisan grappa can be experienced first-hand.
