Contratto Bitter Litre
£42.24
Sale price
£42.24
Regular price
£34.37
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Contratto Bitter Litre
Bitter Liqueur | NV | 22% | 100 cl | Italy
£42.24
Sale price
£42.24
Regular price
£34.37
Taxes included.
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Description
Introducing the exquisite Contratto Bitter Liqueur, a remarkable blend that invites you to explore a world of sophisticated flavors. This exceptional liqueur masterfully combines 24 aromatic botanicals, including the vibrant essence of bitter and sweet orange peels, earthy rhubarb, and warm cloves. The result is a complex and harmonious bitter-sweet flavor, perfect for elevating your pre-dinner cocktails.
The roots of Contratto Bitter trace back to an original recipe from 1933, reflecting the rich heritage of a company established in 1867. Notably, Contratto was the pioneer in producing vintage 'Metodo Classico' sparkling wines in Italy. Their legacy continues through the revival of their acclaimed range of vermouths and amaros, now revitalized under the care of the family-run winery La Spinetta.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: A rich bouquet of citrus fragrances, with notes of orange and lemon, complemented by herbal and spicy undertones.
- Palate: A sophisticated blend of bright citrus zest and warming spices like cloves and cardamom, intertwined with balanced herbal bitterness and delicate floral notes, finishing with gentle sweetness.
- Finish: A vibrant amalgamation of zesty citrus and warming spices, concluding with a smooth, crisp mouthfeel.
This liqueur's striking presentation reveals a cascade of intricate botanicals, including gentian and complex layers of flavor that unfold with each sip. It captivates the palate with a lively yet austere experience, ensuring a memorable tasting journey.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled on the rocks with a slice of orange.
- Utilize in classic cocktails such as Negroni or Americano.
- Mix with soda water and an orange slice for a refreshing spritz.
- Incorporate into traditional Italian aperitivo drinks, such as a Boulevardier, offering a less bitter alternative to Campari.
- Combine with sparkling wine for a festive aperitivo serve.
- Create lighter, low-alcohol refreshers by mixing with lemon, lime, or rhubarb juice.
- Serve in a large balloon wine glass for an elegant presentation.
Storage Advice: For optimal flavor retention, store your Contratto Bitter Liqueur in a cool, dark place, keeping it away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Maintain the bottle upright to preserve seal integrity and ensure it remains tightly sealed when not in use.
Tasting notes
Nose
Palate
Finish
Key features
| Producer | Contratto |
|---|---|
| ABV | 22% |
| Bottle Size | 100 cl |
| Country | Italy |
| Vintage | NV |
Serving suggestions
- Serve chilled on the rocks with a slice of orange.
- Use as the key ingredient in a Negroni or Americano cocktail.
- Mix with soda water and an orange slice for a refreshing spritz.
- Incorporate in classic Italian aperitivo drinks such as a Boulevardier as a less bitter alternative to Campari.
- Combine with sparkling wine for a classic aperitivo serve.
- Mix with lemon lime or rhubarb juice for a lighter low-alcohol refresher.
- Enjoy in a large balloon wine glass for a stylish presentation.
Storage advice
For optimal storage of a liqueur like the one described practical recommendations focus on temperature light exposure sealing bottle position humidity and opened vs. unopened conditions:
- Temperature: Store the liqueur at a stable cool temperature ideally between 13°C and 20°C (55°F to 68°F). Avoid fluctuations as expanding and contracting liquid can damage seals and accelerate oxidation. Extreme heat or cold is detrimental.
- Light Exposure: Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light to prevent degradation of flavor and discoloration. Use a dark cabinet or UV-protected display if visual access is desired.
- Sealing: Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed at all times to minimize air exposure which leads to oxidation and flavor deterioration. For opened bottles reseal promptly and as tightly as possible.
- Bottle Position: Store bottles upright. This prevents prolonged contact between the liqueur and the cork reducing risk of cork deterioration and contamination. Upright position also helps maintain seal integrity.
- Humidity: Maintain ambient humidity between 50% and 70% to avoid cork drying and sealing issues. While less critical than for wine this helps preserve bottle and cork quality especially if natural corks are used.
- Opened Bottles: Once opened liqueurs—especially those with cream or added ingredients—should ideally be refrigerated and consumed within 6 months to maintain quality. Keep them tightly sealed and stored in a cool dark place.
- Unopened Bottles: Can be kept at room temperature within the recommended range provided protected from light and temperature swings. Avoid heat sources such as stoves radiators or direct sunlight exposure.
These steps will help preserve the liqueur’s quality flavor and shelf life effectively.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that the vintage and other product information provided on our website or in our materials for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is based on data supplied by the manufacturers and distributors. While we strive for accuracy, this information may occasionally be outdated or incorrect due to updates or changes made by the suppliers that have not yet been communicated to us.
Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the vintage, product descriptions, or other details provided.
Crucially, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding allergens, ingredients, nutritional content, and specific product details, we strongly advise you to ALWAYS carefully check the product labels on the physical bottle or packaging you receive.
Supplier information is subject to change without our direct knowledge, and discrepancies may occur. We are committed to providing the best possible service and information, but the responsibility for verifying critical details, especially those related to health, allergies, and dietary requirements, rests with the consumer upon receipt of the product.
By proceeding with your purchase, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree that we shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies in the vintage or other product information provided that originated from our suppliers.
Thank you for your understanding.
Drink aware
Savor our exceptional drinks responsibly. The misuse of alcohol has serious consequences. For guidance visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/