Antonio Benedetto Carpano
Antonio Benedetto Carpano (1764, Bioglio (Biella) - 1815, Turin) was an Italian distiller, famous for having invented Vermouth[1] and consequently the apéritif.
In 1786, Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented modern Vermouth in Turin, made from white wine added to an infusion of herbs and spices, in more than 30 varieties. It was sweetened with spirit, which he believed would be a more suitable beverage for ladies than the local red wines. Vermouth proved so popular that soon his shop was open 24 hours a day.[2][3][4]
Since then this distinctive drink has been exported throughout Europe and the world and is now produced by the Cinzano, Martini & Rossi, Campari and Gancia companies. The Carpano brand still exists, producing two distinct qualities of vermouth: the so-called "Original Torino Vermouth" that is produced according to the original recipe, and the "Punt e Mes" quality, more aromatic and bitter.[5][6]
Carpano was by all accounts a cultured man with a passion for the poetry of Goethe and reputedly named his new drink after the German word for wormwood, "Wermut".
References [edit]
- ^ Turismo Torino http://www.comune.torino.it/canaleturismo/en/curiosity/vermouth.htm
- ^ *Walton, Stuart; Brian Glover (1998). The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Wine, Beer, Spirits & Liqueurs. London: Lorenz Books. ISBN 0-7548-0334-1., p. 497.
- ^ Herbst, Sharon Tyler; Ron Herbst (1998). The Ultimate A-To-Z Bar Guide. New York: Broadway Books. ISBN 0-7679-0197-5 (pbk.)., p. 349.
- ^ Clarke, Paul (15 August 2008). "The Truth About Vermouth: The secret ingredient in today's top cocktails remains misunderstood" (Newspaper article). San Francisco Chronicle. Hearst Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2011..
- ^ Bettridge, Jack (30 April 2011), "Italy's Gift to Bartenders", Wine Spectator: 27.
- ^ Viera, Lauren (18 May 2011). "The straight truth about vermouth" (Newspaper article). Chicago Tribune. Tony W. Hunter. Retrieved 19 May 2011..
