Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 20% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Italicus reinterprets traditional Italian Rosolio with bergamot as its defining ingredient. It uses bergamots from Calabria and Cedro, the large citrons grown in Sicily. Their essential oils are extracted with cold water using the Sfumatura process. Separately, Roman chamomile from Lazio and lavender, gentian, yellow roses and lemon balm from northern Italy are macerated for several days. The herbal and floral extracts are then combined with the citrus oils.

The liqueur lends itself to a citrus-floral aperitivo. To make an Italicus Spritz, pour one part Italicus and two parts Prosecco over plenty of ice and garnish with three green olives. Their salty taste contrasts with the floral notes. Italicus is offered at 20% alcohol in a bottle containing 0.7 litres.

The distinctive bottle was designed by Stranger & Stranger. Its blue glass references the Grotta Azzurra on Capri and the waters of the Amalfi Coast. The closure depicts Bacchus harvesting bergamots, framed by the shape of a cross-section of the fruit.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, fresh citrus oils meet herbal notes of chamomile and gentian. Rose and lavender add delicate floral accents, alongside a hint of orange blossom.
• Palate: The palate reveals fresh, ripe citrus fruit, with bergamot and lemon. A light bitterness reminiscent of roots and bark balances the subtle honey sweetness. Gentle spice and delicate floral notes complete the flavour.
• Finish: The long finish is dry and citrusy. The floral notes become more pronounced, while lemon and lavender linger.

Distillery/Bottler:

Giuseppe Gallo developed Italicus through his exploration of Italian spirits and his family's Rosolio recipes. The brand launched in 2016. Rosolio was part of Italian aperitivo culture before vermouth and bitter liqueurs became widespread, and was also served at the court of the House of Savoy. Gallo drew on this tradition to create a contemporary bergamot liqueur.

Italicus is produced by Torino Distillati in Moncalieri, near Turin. The company was established in 1992 when Carlo Vergnano, then operations director of Seagram Italia, acquired the production facility through a management buyout. The building itself dates from 1906. Its history extends back through Seagram to the Fratelli Ferrero di Riccardo family, which was active in the wine and vermouth business. Italicus is thus produced in a region with a long tradition of liqueur and vermouth making.

Facts: