Last week I introduced you to Contratto and their trio of vermouths that are just hitting the UK market... This week I bring you some more Italian Stallion goods; Contratto Bitter and Contratto Aperitif.
The Italian powerhouse Contratto has now launched two quite similar products. Based on recipes dating back to 1933 and 1935, Contratto Bitter and Contratto Aperitif are all natural - no artificial colours or flavours - top quality, artisanal alternatives to “the industry standard products of today.” Big brands have got to have some competition haven’t they?
After receiving a bottle of each last month – I must be in the booze god’s good books – it’s time to put them to the test. Though first we should appreciate the label; that same beautiful lady adorning the vermouth bottles has undergone a bit of a fashion update. Retro stripes and bold fonts; personally, I love it.
It’s somewhat sweeter than its famous rival, more fruity though less grapefruity, and there’s a hint of vanilla in there too. Mixing Contratto Bitter in cocktails is the way to go; and it'll always be a Negroni with me. 1 part gin, 1 part Contratto Bitter, 1 part sweet vermouth (Contratto Vermouth Rosso perhaps), stirred over ice, and garnished with orange peel. Negronis can be a bit of a Marmite drink, but made with Contratto instead of Campari, it is slightly less offensive on the bitterness front.
A Bitter Sweet is Contratto’s signature serve: 1 part Contratto Bitter, 1 part Moscato d'Asti, 1 part Soda Water, in a wine glass with ice and a slice of lemon. Crack this out at your next BBQ and you’ll be everyone’s favourite host! *slurp*
Made in the same way as Contratto Bitter, Contratto Aperitif has slightly longer list of ingredients; 28 including aloe, angelica, wormwood, tangerine peel, hawthorn, juniper berries, and many more. At 13.5%, it is less alcoholic than the Bitter, making it perfect mixing material for pre-dinner drinks.

The Contrattino is the suggested serve: 1 part Contratto Aperitif, 1 part Dry Sparkling Wine, served over ice with a lemon twist.
You can buy litre bottles of both Contratto Bitter (£25.50) and Contratto Aperitif (£23.60) from Hedonism Wines... Get them whilst they're hot!
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