Gancia, the Italian sparkling wine and vermouth producer, is harking back to its roots with the launch of the original formula of its classic vermouth with an alcohol content of 16%abv.
The company, owned by Russian Standard Corporation, said: “In an era when some producers have skimped on their product ingredients and alcohol content – to the point where they can no longer call themselves real vermouths – Gancia has bucked this trend and looked deep into its storied history to rediscover the extraordinary liquid quality of its vermouths.”
The relaunch follows two years of research and is based on extensive taste tests and the opinion of bartenders and mixologists that a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) enhances the aromatic tones of vermouth.
The traditional formula of Gancia Vermouth dates back to the mid-19th century, and since then the recipe and its selection of ingredients have been kept top secret. One of the few people in possession of the recipe is Piergiorgio Cane, Gancia’s expert oenologist.
Cane said: “Gancia’s fabled history and strict adherence to the rules for real vermouth uniquely qualify us to serve as its global ambassador. From our specially sourced aromatic herbs from all over the world, which range from Artemisia and cloves to cinnamon, to our choice of carefully selected “˜docile’ wines, Gancia is proud to return to its vermouth roots.”
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The Gancia Vermouth portfolio |
Carlo Gancia, the creator of the first Italian sparkling wine, began producing “˜Vermouth of Turin’ in 1850, the year the company was founded. In 1870, Gancia became the official supplier to the Royal House of Savoy and in 1893, its Vermouth Bianco was recognised at the Chicago World’s Fair.
Increasing the alcohol content to 16% has enhanced the liquid’s aromatic tones and natural ingredients for a more intense sensory experience, the company said, making it ideal served on the rocks or as a key ingredient for cocktails.
The “rediscovery” of Gancia Vermouth also encompasses new packaging developed by brand consultancy Robilant Associati, who reinterprets the heritage of the company and product in a contemporary and clear Italian style. The strong, distinctive bottle was designed to go against the trend of minimalism that characterises the vermouth category.
The Gancia Vermouth portfolio comprises Vermouth Gancia Bianco (16%abv), Vermouth Gancia Rosso (16%abv), Vermouth Gancia Rosato (16%abv), and Vermouth Gancia Extra Dry (18%abv).
About Gancia
Founded in 1850 by Carlo Gancia, hailed as the creator of the first Italian sparkling wine, Gancia is a leading producer of sparkling wines and vermouth. With 2,000 hectares of vineyards and five million kilograms of grapes vinified, Gancia, based in Canelli, in the heart of Italy’s Asti region, produces sparkling wine, still wines and aperitifs distributed to over 60 countries.
The Gancia sparkling wine portfolio ranges from sweet to dry, and from Charmat method to prestige vintages fermented more than five years.
Russian Standard, the international premium spirits producer and distributor, is the majority shareholder in Gancia.
