Vermouth (Spiritsman) 12/15/20/–Vermouth was actually invented in Turin, Italy, the Northern Italian town better known
for Fiat cars and Juventus Football Club. The Hotel Starlino Distillery produces three
varieties, a red Vermouth, Starlino Rose and Starlino Arancione, the latter two being
wine based aperitifs. Vermouth was originally considered only good for medicinal
purposes, but over time it started popping up in the fashionable Turin cafes and
eventually came to age in the Royal Court of Turin. They also produce Maraschino
Cherries which are de-stoned and made from Italian Marasaca Cherries. They are
the garnish of choice for Manhattans or Negronis and make an exciting dessert
when drizzled over ice cream or cheesecake.
The Hotel Starlino Distillery was founded in 1906 and is located in Moncalieri in the
Turin region, and there is an outstanding view of the Monviso Mountain. Obviously
right now tours are out of the question, but when things finally get back to normal you
can contact them directly at 39-011-689-1411.
The Vermouth or Starlino Rosso has a color of dark red and brown amber and has an aroma of
dried fruits such as prunes, dates, raisins, candied cherries, vanilla spice and orange zest.
The production itself is a combination of Piedmonte wines that are finished in
ex-Kentucky Bourbon Barrels for thirty days. The actual grapes used are Wormwood Gentle
and Wormwood Piedmont, Absinthe and assorted herbs including China, Raisins, Vanilla,
Ginger, Bitter Orange and Cloves. All the three drinks are perfect for cocktails and
only have a 17% ABV.
The Starlino Rose uses the same Piedmont grapes but the botanicals differ from the vermouth
In the likes of elderflower, coriander, cloves, dittany, centaury, hyssop, cardo, angelica,
Sandal, ambrette, thyme, orris and sweet orange peel. After being mixed and agitated
with Trebbiano wine the Rose is then rested in stainless steel for six months, with a
final process of chill filtration before going to the bottler.
The Starlino Arancione utilizes pink grapefruit peel in place of the orange peel but still has
a bright orange appearance. This is a semi-dry vermouth that is pretty vibrant and is
perfect on the rocks by itself or with prosecco, soda or tonic.
RECIPES
STARLINO MANHATTAN
1 part Starlino Rosso
2 parts Rye
2 dashes bitters
Starlino Maraschino Cherries
STARLINO ROSE SPRITZ
1 part Starlino Rose
3 parts Prosecco
1-part Soda
slice of grapefruit
STARLINO ARANCIONE TONIC
1 part Starlino Arancione
3 parts Fever Tree Tonic
slice of orange