A classic red vermouth created by Carpano all the way back in 1870, Punt E Mes was actually named after a… stock broking term? Punt E Mes translates to ‘a point and a half’, and at the end of a day stock brokers would enter the Carpano bar and ask for exactly that (but this also happened on a day when key stocks had fallen by one and a half points). So, the link was made and the drink was named as such after they all had a good laugh about it (we assume).
The vermouth contains quinine, which adds to the lovely bitterness, alongside 10 other herbs and spices. The result is a superbly balanced and herbal flavour. A great addition to many a cocktail.
Bittersweet, as expected, with a good helping of sweeter dark red fruits, baking spices, vanilla, orange peel and a pinch of tobacco, with a bitter fruitiness returning on the finish.
I first tasted this in the 1970's while working behind the bar in an Italian restaurant, one of my two favourite vermouths.
Carpano also makes Antica Carpano which is the deluxe version of Punt E Mes. I prefer this for negronis as it is not so sweet or vanilla led as the more expensive Antica. Any wine that I have left over or has oxidized over night I add to a measure of Punt E Mes on the rocks with a slice. Or just on its own. Or with tonic. Or just with Campari for extra bitterness. Great also as a sorbet.
The Italians have a slice of orange not lemon with this special aperitif.
This makes a very refreshing aperitif when mixed with lemon
Very rare to find this product easily in retail outlets~maybe at Christmas time.One of the best.
