About the product
Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth is a historic and iconic Italian vermouth, originally created in 1786 in Turin by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. Crafted from a secret blend of fine white wines, aromatic herbs, and spices, it is widely regarded as one of the finest sweet vermouths in the world.
It pours a deep amber color with rich, coppery tones. The nose is intensely aromatic, offering notes of vanilla, dried fruit, orange peel, and warm spices, complemented by herbal nuances and a hint of cocoa.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness. Flavors of vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, and baking spices are layered with herbal complexity and a subtle bitterness that keeps it refined and elegant.
The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of vanilla, spice, and gentle herbal bitterness.
Ideal for classic cocktails like the Negroni, Manhattan, or Boulevardier, it is equally enjoyable served neat, over ice, or with a twist of orange.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
Antica Formula is significantly richer, darker, and more complex than standard "sweet" or "rosso" vermouths.
- Nose Intensely aromatic. It opens with spiced vanilla and dark chocolate, followed by sophisticated layers of bitter orange, raisins, and dried prunes. There is a savory hint of saffron and cloves.
- Palate Full-bodied and velvety. You will find rich vanilla and caramel leading the way, perfectly balanced by the bitterness of wormwood and cinchona bark. The mid-palate introduces dates and cocoa beans.
- Finish Long and bittersweet. It leaves a lingering trail of orange zest, honey, and subtle spice, with a refined, herbal exit.
Food Pairings
Because of its high sugar content and complex spice, Antica Formula behaves more like a dessert wine than a standard aperitif.
- Savory Pecorino Toscano or Gorgonzola. The saltiness of the cheese provides a stark, delicious contrast to the vanilla-heavy sweetness of the vermouth.
- Main Foie Gras or Duck Pâté. The richness of the liver is cut by the vermouth’s botanical bitterness and high acidity.
- Dessert Dark Chocolate Truffles or Tiramisu. This is a "mirror pairing"—the cocoa and coffee notes in the dessert amplify the chocolate and date notes in the glass.
- Classic Serve The Manhattan. This is the definitive vermouth for a luxury Manhattan, where its vanilla notes harmonize with the oak and char of a high-proof bourbon or rye.
About the brand
Carpano is the house that invented vermouth. In 1786, Antonio Benedetto Carpano mixed herbs and spices with Muscatel in his shop across from the Royal Palace in Turin, creating a drink so popular the King of Italy adopted it as a royal household staple. Today, the brand is owned by Fratelli Branca Distillerie, who have meticulously preserved the "Antica Formula" (Ancient Formula). In 2026, it is celebrated as an "Additive-Free" luxury vermouth, using only natural infusions and caramelized sugar for its deep color and sweetness.
