Carpano Punt e Mes Italian Vermouth 75 cl 16%

In the old streets of Turin, where the story of vermouth was first written, a recipe still divides the city's residents between the sweet and the bitter side of the same glass. Punt e Mes was born from a stockbroker's witty order and remains one of Italy's most recognisable aperitifs, true to its bold original character.

Expert's Description

Carpano Punt e Mes is an Italian Vermouth of the vermouth chinato style, based on white wine with 16% alcohol, produced by Fratelli Branca Distillerie in Turin.

The story dates back to 19 April 1870, when a stockbroker in Carpano's wine shop in Turin, caught up in a discussion about share prices that had risen a point and a half, ordered his usual Carpano vermouth but asked for it to be topped with half a measure of quinine bitter - described in the local dialect as punt e mes. The name stuck, and the drink became a classic.

Punt e Mes was produced by the Carpano family until 2001, when Fratelli Branca Distillerie of Milan acquired the brand and continued the recipe of more than 40 herbs and spices, including orange peel and quinine bark.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose offers ripe dark fruit such as prune and cherry, supported by quinine bark, cloves and a hint of tobacco leaf.

Palate

The palate opens sweet with honeyed plum and orange, before the quinine bark and bitter botanicals arrive with clear notes of clove and dark coffee.

Finish

The finish is long and round, with well-balanced bitterness from the quinine bark meeting a residual sweetness and dried orange zest.

Specifications

Distillery: Carpano
Region/Country: Turin, Italy
Type: Italian Vermouth – Vermouth Chinato
ABV: 16%
Size: 75 cl
EAN no.: 8001710100129
Serving suggestion: Serve over ice with a slice of orange, or use as the base in classic cocktails such as the Milano-Torino and the Manhattan

Flavour Profile

Bitter · Orange Peel · Quinine Bark · Spicy · Full-Bodied

Did you know?

According to a 1916 testimony, Punt e Mes was the favourite drink of Giovanni Agnelli, founder of the car maker FIAT, who often enjoyed it at Carpano's wine shop in Turin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carpano Punt e Mes

What type of vermouth is Carpano Punt e Mes?

It is an Italian Vermouth of the vermouth chinato style, where sweetness from white wine is balanced by bitterness from quinine bark and more than 40 herbs and spices.

What does Carpano Punt e Mes taste like?

The taste is bittersweet with notes of dark fruit, orange peel, cloves and quinine bark, finishing with a long, dry aftertaste.

How should Carpano Punt e Mes be served?

It can be enjoyed over ice with a slice of orange, or used as the base in cocktails such as the Milano-Torino, the Manhattan and the Punt e Mes Yes.

How should Carpano Punt e Mes be stored after opening?

The bottle should be kept cool and dark, ideally refrigerated after opening, and enjoyed within a few months for the best flavour.

Does Carpano Punt e Mes make a good gift?

Its bold flavour and iconic history make it a fitting gift for both vermouth lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Why is the product called Punt e Mes?

The name comes from an episode in 1870, when a stockbroker in Carpano's wine shop in Turin ordered his vermouth topped with half a measure of quinine bitter, described in the local dialect as punt e mes.

Who produces Carpano Punt e Mes today?

It is produced by Fratelli Branca Distillerie in Turin, which acquired the Carpano brand from the Carpano family in 2001.

Can Punt e Mes be used in cooking?

Yes, its bittersweet character makes it well suited for adding depth to sauces and marinades, alongside its traditional use in cocktails.