Aperitivo Cappelletti

Aperitivo Cappelletti is a classic Italian vino amaro aperitif that marries the aromatic complexity of alpine herbs with a wine-driven bitterness and nuanced sweetness. Elegant yet versatile, it offers a refined sip as an aperitif and performs beautifully in spritzes and cocktails that call for depth and balance.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Antica Erboristeria Cappelletti, a family-owned house in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, Aperitivo Cappelletti embodies a unique legacy of aromatized wine liqueurs dating to the early 20th century. Unlike spirit-based bitter liqueurs, its foundation is a vinous base drawn mainly from white wine varieties such as Trebbiano, Garganega, and Pinot Bianco, into which a proprietary blend of bitter alpine herbs, botanicals, rhubarb, gentian, and citrus peels is infused. This infusion creates a richly aromatic yet approachable profile, accentuated by a naturally deep carmine red hue from natural cochineal coloring. The wine base lends a characteristic texture and freshness seldom found in spirits-based aperitifs, while a brief rest period integrates the botanicals with the wine, resulting in a balanced and vibrant expression.

Critics Reviews

There are no formal professional critic scores published by major spirits or wine review outlets for Aperitivo Cappelletti. However, aperitivo and cocktail professionals frequently laud its superior balance between bitterness and sweetness, noting that it sits comfortably between Campari and Aperol in intensity while offering a lush, vinous body that enhances both classic and contemporary drinks.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright and aromatic, unveiling citrus zest, bitter orange peel, and herbal notes layered over a fresh vinous base, evoking a lively Mediterranean orchard.

Palate:
Medium-bodied with a harmonious palette of herbal bitterness, gentle rhubarb spice, and subtle vinous sweetness. The wine foundation lends texture and finesse, while gentian and alpine botanicals provide complexity without harshness.

Finish:
Clean, crisp, and slightly dry with lingering bitter-herbal echoes and citrus brightness that refresh the palate and invite another sip.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Cappelletti Spritz

• 1.5 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti

• 2 oz dry sparkling wine

• 1 oz soda water
  Build over ice in a wine glass; garnish with an orange slice.

Americano Rosso

• 1.5 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti

• 1.5 oz sweet vermouth

• Soda water to top
  Serve over ice in a highball; garnish with an orange twist.

"Look for a vibrant coral-orange glow, and aromas that mix berry sweetness and floral notes. The palate is surprisingly juicy, suggesting blood orange, fading into candied orange peel at the sweet-bitter end. The base is Italian wine (Pinot Bianco, Garganega), not a distilled spirit, and it drinks like a lighter version of Campari. Sip or mix." Wine Enthusiast 93 Points, Best Buy