Carpano Antica Formula Red vermouth.
Aperol
When I lived in Venice the aperitivo of choice was a drink called lo
spritz: orange-scented Aperol mixed with prosecco, the local sparkling
wine. Lighter and less bitter than than Campari (its corporate cousin),
Aperol, available in the States since 2006, is mouthwatering served on
the rocks with a slice of orange and a generous splash of soda water—or
prosecco. $20.
Carpano Antica Formula Red Vermouth
The recipe comes from the formula created by Giuseppe Carpano in 1786.
(The bottle and the label evoke the originals, too.) Unusually intense,
this rich red vermouth delivers herbal and medicinal notes, along with
a touch of sweetness. Serve on the rocks or—trust me—splashed over
vanilla ice cream for dessert.
$35.
Vinicola Hidalgo La Gitana
La Gitana is a manzanilla, the lightest, driest and most delicate of
sherries. This exceptional example is very pale, slightly bitter, with
a whiff of almonds or cashews and a salty tang. Serve it cool, with
nuts, potato chips or shrimp. $10 for a 500-millilter bottle.
Matt Kramer is Diversion.com's wine columnist. He also writes for Wine Spectator.