The vermouth encyclopedia

Vermutpedia

Blanco

Alba

White · Medium-sweet

Calissano Vermouth Superiore Bianco

Calissano

Alba , Italia

Re-evaluation pending

How we calculate the Vermutpedia Score →

Overall impression

Vermutpedia is re-evaluating the Italian catalogue; the Vermutpedia Score for this entry remains pending until the next tasting round. Calissano Vermouth Superiore Bianco is the white of the historic Alba brand relaunched by Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) in 2017, when Vermouth di Torino obtained Protected Geographical Indication status. Casa Vinicola Luigi Calissano e Figli was born in Alba in 1872: a winery designed with modern criteria that produced Langhe wines, classic-method sparkling wines and, above all, vermouth — the aromatised wine that was missing from Piedmontese tables. Calissano exported to the United States in the late nineteenth century, with facilities in New York, and today GIV returns to market a Bianco Superiore on Gavi DOCG base and twelve Piedmont herb species. For Vermutpedia, Calissano Bianco represents Langhe superiore Vermouth di Torino tradition: intense sweetness, soft and persistent profile, and heritage from one of Piedmont's most venerable producers. 18% vol., 75 cl bottle. Complement to Rosso Superiore in GIV's Vermouth di Torino range.

Nose and palate

According to vermouth tradition documented by GIV and the brand's history, Calissano Bianco Superiore is made on Gavi DOCG with twelve Piedmont herb species, in an intensely sweet, soft and persistent style. On the nose one perceives artemisia and typical Vermouth di Torino spices, with Gavi's mineral freshness as the wine base bringing elegance to the whole. On the palate, intense sweetness integrates with the bitterness of aromatic herbs — wormwood, local spices — in a balance that defines superiore character: more body and persistence than a standard IGP. Two to three weeks of infusion, consistent with the Calissano line, concentrates botanical aromas without losing Langhe wine base identity. Compared with industrial whites, Calissano bets on Alba tradition and selection of herbs from the territory. A generous, spiced and vinous profile that invites aperitivo with ice, digestivo or classic cocktails.

How to serve it

Calissano Bianco Superiore is designed for the Piedmontese aperitivo ritual —«Vermouth o'clock»— that GIV associates with the brand: the moment of day when friends gather around vermouth. Serve very cold (8–10 °C) in a wide glass or low tumbler, with ice and a slice of lemon or bitter orange, which enhance the citrus and herb bitterness. Works as digestivo alone or in classic cocktails where a white superiore brings sweetness and botanical complexity. Pairs with olives, grissini, Langhe cheeses and light appetisers; the soft profile dialogues with foie and terrines in a more elaborate aperitivo. In cocktails, it can replace less intense whites in Martini or spritz versions when greater persistence is sought. In Vermutpedia, Calissano Bianco Superiore is the choice for anyone seeking a Vermouth di Torino white from a historic brand, Gavi DOCG and twelve Piedmont herbs.

Production context

Gruppo Italiano Vini produces Calissano Vermouth Bianco Torino IG Superiore in Alice Bel Colle (Alessandria), brand headquarters at Regione Spagna 58. Base is Gavi DOCG with twelve Piedmont herb and spice species; 18% vol. Calissano, founded in Alba in 1872 by Luigi Calissano, was a pioneer in vermouth export to the USA and closed in 1980; GIV relaunched the marque in 2017. Vermouth di Torino range: Bianco and Rosso Superiore. Vermouth tradition dates to Antonio Benedetto Carpano (1786, Turin), who added herbal essences and spices to wine raising strength to 18% for preservation. For Vermutpedia, Calissano Bianco Superiore condenses the reborn Langhe white vermouth: Gavi, twelve herbs, 18% vol. and heritage since 1872 documented at gruppoitalianovini.it/en/brand/calissano.

Discover more

More from Calissano

View all (2) →

More from Alba

Same type and style — White · Medium-sweet

Country guide

The best Italian vermouths

Birthplace of modern vermouth: we are re-evaluating the full Italian catalogue. Until the new scores are published, the table at the top remains empty.

View Italia ranking →