Carpano Punt E Mes

A legend in history. The story goes that on 19 April 1870, a stockbroker, caught up in a discussion with colleagues whilst in the Carpano wine shop about the increase in share prices on that day – one and a half points – ordered his usual Carpano vermouth but asked for the barman to add half a measure of bitter, using the regional expression “Punt e Mes”. The drink immediately became popular as an aperitif before lunch, as recalled by the barman of the time Maurizio Boeris.

The bizzarre origin of this new name came into common usage not long after, with “regulars” of the wine shop ordering Punt e Mes with a gesture.

Punt e Mes is delicious served straight with a slice of orange peel but is also perfect as a base for cocktails such as the famous MITO, the Manhattan or the legendary 70′s Punt e Mes.

Punt e Mes has a golden orange color with topaz tones, herby aromas and dark red, black dahlia with vermilion shades. The initial taste is one of sweetness, characterised by an intriguing accent of orange. This is followed by the characteristically bitter taste of the quina and ends on a sweet note.

Sweet vermouth deep and intriguing, from the dark winy color to the plummy, raisin-like frangrance. A fleeting sweetness, redolent of dried fruits and juicy prune notes, gives way to a dry, bitter finish, which saves it from becoming cloying.