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Blanco

Calamandrana

White · Artisan · Medium-sweet

Oscar.697 Vermouth Bianco

Oscar.697

Calamandrana , Italia

Re-evaluation pending

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Overall impression

Vermutpedia is re-evaluating the Italian catalogue; the Vermutpedia Score for this entry remains pending until the new tasting round is complete. Oscar.697 Vermouth Bianco represents Stefano Di Dio's contemporary vision in Calamandrana (Asti): a bianco drier and more mixology-oriented than traditional Italian white vermouths. Ricetta N°773 bets on unusual botanicals — bergamot and elderflower instead of conventional citrus — on a Trebbiano di Romagna base chosen for its neutrality and stability. Difford's Guide rated it with the highest score (5 stars, «Exceptional») in its 2014 tasting. For Vermutpedia, it represents contemporary Piedmontese white vermouth: «Drier is better in mixology» philosophy, 140 g/l sugar near the disciplinare minimum, and creative freedom outside the Vermouth di Torino IGP logo. At 16% vol. and 75 cl, it complements Extra Dry and Rosso in Di Dio's triad.

Nose and palate

Bergamot brings luminous freshness without the standard lemon profile; elderflower rounds the ensemble toward a more herbal, modern register. Moss yarrow and black pepper close a complex nose. On the palate the «bitter-sweet symphony» the producer describes is clearly perceived: Trebbiano leaves space for the botanicals, sweetness is moderate (140 g/l, near the disciplinare minimum) and the finish is persistent, inviting a second sip. Compared with traditional Italian bianco — more floral and sweeter — Oscar.697 Bianco is more direct, less cloying and more cocktail-oriented. Texture is clean; bitterness is elegant rather than aggressive. The unusual botanical palette distinguishes it from Torinese standards. A bianco for palates seeking contemporary Piedmontese vermouth with Difford's exceptional rating and mixology DNA.

How to serve it

Bianco Spritz or Hugo with prosecco; also with tequila, vodka, Mediterranean gin or agricole rum, where the vermouth enhances the spirit's bouquet and softens the alcohol. Di Dio himself conceived it thinking of drier cocktailery rather than classic sweet aperitif. Serve very cold, between 4 and 6 °C; in spritz, the bergamot and elderflower open with prosecco without losing structure. In stirred drinks, it brings Piedmontese character with less sugar than traditional bianco. Solo with large ice and citrus twist works for advanced palates seeking semisweet vermouth near the dry pole. For Vermutpedia, Oscar.697 Bianco is spritz and author cocktail vermouth: bergamot, elderflower, Trebbiano, contemporary Calamandrana.

Production context

16% vol. (the minimum in force when the range launched; the European disciplinare later lowered to 14.5%). 140 g/l sugar. Style inspired by historic Vermouth di Torino without using the IGP logo, allowing creative freedoms relative to the disciplinare. 75 cl bottle. Oscar.697 makes Bianco in Calamandrana (province of Asti) with Trebbiano di Romagna, bergamot, elderflower, moss yarrow and black pepper. Complements Extra Dry and Rosso in the contemporary triad. International distribution via Italian Spirits Co. For Vermutpedia, Bianco synthesises author's contemporary white vermouth: Ricetta N°773, unusual botanicals, mixology philosophy verifiable at oscar697.com/vermouth-bianco.

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