GSN has previously reviewed the Carpano Antica and Punt e Mes vermouths, both made by the Fratelli Branca Distillerie in Milan, Italy.   Recently we were sent two of their dry style vermouths for review.

Carpano Dry is a new vermouth debuted this year by Fratelli Branca which uses less sugar in the recipe, thereby making it taste drier.  Carpano Bianco was introduced in the 1950’s and is classified as a medium-sweet style.

Carpano Dry (18% abv)
Visual: Very pale gold.
Nose: Lightly fruity with a fresh herbality.  I’m reminded of a fine spring rain in a garden.
Taste: Slightly sweet, but leaning more towards a brut style.  The herb blend is perfectly balanced and works well to frame the wine itself.
Finish: Medium with the fade being soft and satisfying.  There is no bitterness or overarching bitter wormwood.
Overall: This is a well-designed vermouth for cocktails including the gin Martini, the Obituary, the Bamboo and other cocktails that call for a decent pour of white vermouth.  Or, you can enjoy it on ice with a slice of lemon.
GSN Rating: A

Carpano Bianco (14.9% abv)
Visual: Very pale gold.
Nose: Licorice is the most present character with a backbone of wine.  Extremely subtle hints of other herbs lie at the far end of the spectrum.
Taste: More of the licorice, but balanced with a decent dose of bitterness.  Fairly sweet and with a richer mouthfeel than Carpano Dry.  Fruity and refreshing.
Finish: The bitterness tempers a higher sugar content and bears a striking resemblance to some sweet vermouths I’ve had minus the burnt edge.  Perfect on its own or in a fruit based cocktail.
Overall: A little too sweet for my taste, but still one of the standard bearers in Italian white vermouth.
GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Carpano