Martini & Rossi sparkles throughout time

Martini and Rossi’s long tradition of making exceptional quality sparkling wines and vermouth has always been a landmark in the industry from generation to generation.

I remember when my parents hosted parties (in the 1960s), and the first glass poured and handed out to guests was Martini and Rossi’s famous “Asti.” The trend of serving Asti still exists today, thanks to Martini and Rossi’s new generation of winemakers, Franco Brezza and Giorgio Castagnotti.

The northern Italian company, from the Piedmont region, started in the mid-19th century as a vermouth bottling plant in the Town of Pessione. The company was known as the Distilleria Nazionale di Spirito di Vino.

Three men dominated the company, wine merchant Alessandro Martini, herbalist Luigi Rossi and accountant Teofila Sola. In 1863, they changed the business name to Martini, Sola and Cia. The Sola family sold out in 1879, and the company became known as Martini and Rossi.

In 1892, the company was taken over by Rossi’s four sons, who eventually inherited the business. Success was evident.

In 1912, Martini and Rossi reached 70 countries worldwide. The name and motto, “Volere e Potere,” which means, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” was heard around the world.

Martini and Rossi has grown since the early days. Bacardi merged with Martini and Rossi in 1993, thus enabling growth and global mobility.

At a recent dinner, hosted by brand ambassador and Top Chef judge Donnatella Arpaia, I had the opportunity to sample the array of sparkling wines and cocktails of Martini and Rossi.

Upon entering Donnatella’s restaurant (184 Eighth Ave. in New York City), I was handed a flute of, you guessed it, Martini Asti to toast the start of a beautiful evening.

The Asti, priced under $12 a bottle, was fruity, fragrant and refreshing. Made with the hand-picked and celebrated Moscato Bianco grape, and only 7.5 percent alcohol, the flute of Asti was an instant hit to all in attendance.

Small appetizers were passed around as the elegant Martini Rose Spumanti was served. The sparkling pink color owes its beauty to the predominant  Brachetto grape combined with the Moscato and Glera (Prosecco) grapes. The medium dry Rose was soft with a hint of pepper and vanilla. Since pink is the rage, today, Martini Rose Spumante will be one of the stars.

My favorite Italian drink was served next, Martini Prosecco. Extra dry and full of flavor, the Glera grapes that make-up this special sparkling wine did their job to create a bond between the sparkling wine and the food that was served. My palate exploded with lemon, acidity and fruit.

To top off the tasting, Martini Brut entered the scene. I love sparkling wines that are dry, vibrant and fresh. This is one on the top of my list.

What I have learned is simple: What sparkling wines my parents served to their friends in the ’60s are still hits in the 2010s.

Posted by Phillip Kampe on November 1, 2012. Filed under Columns,Food,Opinion,Wine and Beyond. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry