Adri Barr Crocetti

One of my favorite Italian aperitif wines is back, and this time she’s in red. Meet Cocchi Americano Rosa.

You might remember my earlier post on the classic Cocchi Americano Bianco, an aperitif wine made from Moscato d’Asti. Over its more than one hundred year history The House of Cocchi has occasionally produced variations on that classic theme. Cocchi Americano Rosa, made of naturally aromatic red varietals from Piemonte is their newest.

There aren’t many bottles here in the U.S. right now, but that will soon change as it becomes available on the world market – a launch Cocchi has planned for June of this year. Good thing too, because that means Cocchi Rosa will arrive in time for summer. Its notes of white roses, cherries and summer berries are masterfully blended with citrus, herbs, fruit and spices. Make no mistake though, this is no “girlie drink.” The luxurious mouthfeel, earthy vegetal notes of gentian and cinchona complement the fruit, floral and spice notes. A distinct peppery warmth of pink grapefruit lends a complexity that will keep you sipping and sipping.

If you are curious about “bitters,” but find that even Aperol is too much for you, try this. The bitter element while present, leans toward the subtle, just enough to balance the sweetness and fruit of the wine.

Cocchi recommends serving this over ice with soda and a lemon wheel or mixed with Prosecco to start. From there I suggest you experiment with other aperitivi such Aperol and Campari or spirits such as vodka, gin, grappa, Acqua di cedro, or my favorite, Solerno, a Sicilian blood orange and lemon liquor. No doubt about it, this will be the go to drink in our home in the warm summer months to come. In case you were wondering about that garnet color you see, it is 100% natural. Read more… »