Embark on a flavorful expedition across Italy, a land renowned not only for its rich history, art, and architecture but also for its world-famous wines and spirits. Join us as we explore the unique "spirit" of each Italian town through their signature drinks.
Vermouth, the aromatic wine hailing from Turin, was concocted around 1700. This libation is crafted from Muscat wines, enhanced with alcohol, cane sugar, and a medley of crushed herbs, including absinthe—indeed, "vermut" translates to "absinthe" in German. Vermouth comes in various styles: white, red, and dry, and is a staple in cocktail creation.
Milan is the birthplace of several iconic beverages, including Campari, Amaro Ramazzotti, and the Fernet Branca digestif. Fernet Branca stands out with its unique blend of herbs sourced from four continents, aged in oak barrels. Brancamenta offers a minty refreshment, perfect for summer days. Campari, a secretive blend of sixty ingredients, is a popular aperitif, especially among the youth in pre-mixed forms like Campari Soda and Campari MIXX. Ramazzotti, another digestive, is enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The trendiest spot for aperitifs? The Happy Hour at UNA Hotel Tocq in Corso Como from 18:00 to 21:00.
Venice, the city of romance, is the origin of the Bellini and Spritz cocktails. The UNA Café recommends the Bellini, a sparkling concoction of white wine (Prosecco or Champagne) and white peach juice, acclaimed worldwide. Its counterpart, the Spritz, is a red cocktail made with dry white wine, sparkling mineral water or tonic, and a splash of spirits.
In Bologna, wine takes center stage with Sangiovese, "Jupiter's blood," and Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that pairs perfectly with Romagna's cuisine. Visitors to UNA Hotel Bologna can tour the historic city center's inns, possibly rubbing shoulders with celebrities over a glass of wine. Tuscany's Tyrrhenian coast, known for its chic venues and exclusive wine bars, is ideal for tasting top-tier Tuscan wines like Brunello di Montalcino, a DOCG-certified wine. Imagine sipping these wines on the terrace of UNA Hotel Versilia, overlooking the sea at sunset.
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is also home to Chianti, one of Italy's most beloved red wines. Named after the hills where it's produced, Chianti is traditionally bottled in a raffia-covered flask to protect it from light. Florence is also where Count Camillo Negroni concocted the eponymous Negroni cocktail, a blend of gin, red vermouth, Campari, and orange. After a stroll through Florence, experience the daring design of UNA Hotel Vittoria, where Renaissance art meets modern luxury.
Civitavecchia, near Rome, gave birth to Sambuca, a sweet, anise-flavored liqueur. It's served neat, after coffee, or with an ice cube or coffee bean, which should be chewed to enhance the flavor.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a red wine with Greek origins, is renowned for its quality both domestically and internationally. Travelers can enjoy this wine at UNAWAY Hotel Montepulciano, whether heading north or south on the A1 motorway.
Further south lies the birthplace of Limoncello, a lemon peel distillate often homemade and served as a digestive or in a refreshing sherbet at UNA Hotel Napoli's American Bar. Nearby, at UNAWAY Mirabella Sud, guests can savor Fiano di Avellino, a delicate wine that complements fish starters, fresh cheeses, and white meats.
Lastly, Sardinia offers Cannonau, possibly the Mediterranean's oldest wine, and Mirto, a popular liqueur made from myrtle berries.
To your health!
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