Antica Formula is the ultimate Italian vermouth. Each bottle is a faithful reproduction of the original in blown glass from the 18th century, inscribed with ‘Tempus Judex’, which translates to “time will be the judge”, along with the personal signature of Count Niccolò Branca, President and Chairman of the Board of the Fratelli Branca Distillerie. Allow yourself to discover the unique history behind this distinctive formula.
Vermouth is an aromatic, fortified wine, created with herbs and botanicals. Vermouth receives its characteristic taste from artemisia, the most crucial ingredient of any vermouth. Along with the presence of artemisia, vermouth requires a minimum composition of 75% wine, and an alcoholic volume of between 14.5-22%. Antonio Benedetto Carpano named his product "vermouth", inspired by the German word "wermuth" for wormwood.
Antica Formula is based on the ancient recipe (Antica Ricetta) developed in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. He developed the recipe for the modern vermouth at his small wine shop in Turin. His knowledge and studies as an herbalist led to a unique mix of herbs and spices and the creation of the original vermouth.
Giuseppe Bernardino Carpano, the nephew of Antonio Benedetto Carpano, established the Liquor and Vermouth Factory in 1820. This paved the way for Carpano vermouths to grow from a small wine bar product, to the leading aperitif. By the late 1880s, it was Turin’s favorite drink.
Since 1786, Carpano vermouths have been an example of Italian mastery and heritage. The original recipe created by the Carpano family is valued and preserved by Fratelli Branca Distillerie. Even today, there are only three people who know the secret recipe.
Each bottle of Antica Formula boasts the signature of Count Niccolò Branca, President and Chairman of the Board of the Fratelli Branca Distillerie – a sign that it has successfully passed all the stages of the carefully controlled production line and the highest standards of quality.
Produced in limited quantities of 25,000, every small batch of Antica Formula is a result of rigorous controls along the entire production line, and is sold in highly prized bottles that are individually numbered.
A warm amber hue meets the eye. Hold a glass of Antica Formula against the light to expose its striking clarity and depth.
A complex bouquet opens with the warm scent of vanilla, the characteristic scent of Antica Formula’s secret recipe. The opening bouquet soon transitions to spicy, citrusy, and nutty notes reminiscent of cloves, raisins and almonds.
Antica Formula lands soft and sweet on the tongue. Hints of vanilla found on the nose harmoniously blend with the mysterious beauty of spices. Be seduced by the ancient complexity of bitter orange and dates, the depth of the cocoa beans, and the enveloping intensity of saffron.