Americano Cocchi is a true intermediary between wine and spirits as it is a wine with a small addition of alcohol bittered by an infusion of valuable spices and herbs.”It is called Americano (American) not only due to such new features but also because the habit of drinking Vermouths mixed with bitter spirits and gin thus creating a drink called cocktail was spreading from the United States.”The original recipe of the Americano Cocchi played a role in the history of Asti throughout the nineteenth century and is now considered the aperitif par excellence by the citizens of Asti. |

Since 1865, this delicious aperitif wine has stood apart for its exceptional complexity, delightful flavors and stimulating palate. Serious to its role as aperitif, it was known as “ouvre l’appetit” – the key to the appetite. Found popular with sportsmen, Bonal became an early sponsor of the Tour de France. It is made by an infusion of gentian, cinchona (quinine) and renown herbs of the Grand Chartreuse mountains in a Mistelle base. Traditionally enjoyed neat or with a twist; also may enhance classic drinks in place of sweet red vermouth. 1890s and 1930s labels available. |

Note from Todd Hardie of Caledonia: “The gin is a celebration of our special connection to the land. We use pure grain spirits as a canvas to showcase juniper berry and raw northern honey. Added just before bottling, the raw honey imparts unique floral qualities that vary with season and blossom. Our distillery, on the banks of the Lamoille River in the Northeast Kingdom, is rooted in the agriculture of Vermont. Hardwick, Caledonia Country, is a community inspired by farms where the production of milk, cheese, timber, grains, honey, seeds, and herbs are part of our lives and help define our place.” |

| Strength:88.8 Proof |

Wine Spectator 91 points – Hints of smoke and spice underscore flavors of poached pear and white raspberry in this delicate, aperitif-style Champagne, with a lacy mousse. Crisp and lightly citrusy. Drink now through 2021. 50,000 cases made. -AN.November/2017Wine Advocate 90 points – Aromas of green apple, golden orchard fruit, fresh pastry, marzipan and warm bread introduce the latest rendition of Taittinger’s NV Brut La Francaise, a cuvee that contains some 30% reserve wines and sees three years sur lattes. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, fleshy but incisive, with a generous core of fruit, tangy acids and a delicately chalky finish. Disgorgement dates aren’t indicated on the label, but it’s generally a very consistent bottling..August/2019James Suckling 90 points – This has a bright array of peach and citrus fruits in addition to gentle toast. It’s fresh and bright, but with a chalky edge. The palate’s pitched into a bold statement of stone fruits, berries and citrus. The acid and dosage are all balanced in favor of flavor. Drink now..October/2016 | Taittinger Brut Reserve is a blend of Chardonnay wines (40%) and Pinot wines (60%) from 40 different vineyards and matured to perfection. Such a high proportion of Chardonnay is seldom found among the great champagnes. | An elegantly fresh and delicate Champagne blended from a high proportion of Chardonnay grapes to yield a refined flavor palette of pear and stone fruits offset by warm, yeasty notes and hints of breadcrust.