High Marks for the Recognized Category Leader of Premium Aperitivo
HAMILTON, BERMUDA, May 15, 2018 – MARTINI & ROSSI® announces that its Riserva Speciale line has been awarded Gold Medals for each expression at the 18th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition®. The family of premium spirits – new to the extensive House of Martini portfolio of vermouth, bitter liqueur, and sparkling wine – includes two vermouths, Riserva Speciale Rubino and Riserva Speciale Ambrato, as well as the most recently released bitter, Riserva Speciale Bitter liqueur.
“The MARTINI & ROSSI legacy has proven to be at the pinnacle of recognized spirits for the premium aperitivo category,” said Angelito David, MARTINI & ROSSI North American Brand Director. “The prestigious Gold Medals awarded to our new Riserva Speciale range further establishes MARTINI & ROSSI as a leader of low-octane spirits, standing out as a top choice for bartenders and consumers, especially those who are passionate about flavor, taste and craft.”
MARTINI & ROSSI master herbalist Ivano Tonutti and master blender Beppe Musso use traditional methods and a unique extraction process of the botanicals, which are then rested in a Tino – traditional Italian wooden vat – to harmonize all extracts of the Riserva Speciale Ambrato and Riserva Speciale Rubino. Beppe and Ivano then use the same Tino to rest the Riserva Speciale Bitter to produce the finished liquid. With skill and craftsmanship passed down through generations of master blenders and herbalists at MARTINI & ROSSI, Beppe’s and Ivano’s new range showcases the wealth of information, craft, and distinction that the brand has drawn upon for over 150 years, and which it continues to demonstrate through its dedication to the ever-evolving spirits industry.
Recently appointed MARTINI & ROSSI North American Brand Ambassador Fabio Raffaelli noted, “The success of the Riserva Speciale line speaks to the blending process of rare botanicals, including Saffron, Angostura, Columba and other complementary ingredients, which produce wondrous aromatic qualities and unique depths of flavor. The Bitter, Ambrato, and Rubino satisfy the demand of versatile spirits for the continued growth of cocktail creation, to which MARTINI & ROSSI is proud to be an award-winning contributor.”
The 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the largest in its history, featuring more than 2,200 entries, and its medal winners represent some of the finest products from around the world. The judging panel evaluated each product on an individual basis under highly focused conditions to select top spirits. As Gold Medal recipients, the Riserva Speciale Ambrato, Riserva Speciale Rubino and Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur are considered products that set the standard for their respective categories.
About San Francisco World Spirits Competition®
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition® is America’s most respected and influential international spirits event. Products are evaluated in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring the SFWSC maintains its reputation for the highest level of integrity. Winning participants receive the awards of double gold, gold, silver or bronze, marking their product as one of the highest quality in the world. www.sfspiritscomp.com
About MARTINI & ROSSI®
One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI & ROSSI® is the leading name in Italian winemaking and a purveyor of the highest quality aromatized and sparkling wines. The award-winning, vibrant and bittersweet taste of the MARTINI & ROSSI range is the result of secret blends of more than 40 botanicals sourced from the finest locations across the globe. The MARTINI & ROSSI portfolio includes: MARTINI & ROSSI RISERVA SPECIALE RUBINO, MARTINI & ROSSI RISERVA SPECIALE AMBRATO, MARTINI & ROSSI RISERVA SPECIALE Bitter Liqueur, MARTINI & ROSSI Bianco, MARTINI & ROSSI Rosso, MARTINI & ROSSI Extra Dry, MARTINI & ROSSI Asti, MARTINI & ROSSI Prosecco, and MARTINI & ROSSI Rosé.
Created in 1863 in Turin, Italy, the MARTINI & ROSSI brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, and continues to be the market leader of the category. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.
