Punt e Mes is a distinctive Italian vermouth created in 1870 by the historic Turin-based house Carpano, a producer closely associated with the origins of modern vermouth. The name translates as “[one] point and a half”, referring to its balance of sweetness and bitterness. Produced in Piedmont in north-west Italy, the recipe follows the region’s long tradition of aromatised wines, blending fortified wine with a selection of herbs, spices and botanicals in keeping with the heritage of Italian aperitivo culture. Punt e Mes is made from a base of white wine that is fortified and infused with botanicals and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. The recipe is designed to create a richer and more bitter profile than traditional sweet vermouth. It offers flavours of caramel, dried orange peel, dark herbs and gentle spice, balanced by a firm bittersweet finish. Punt e Mes is commonly served over ice with a twist of orange, lengthened with soda, or used in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan.
