Cocchi Americano Rosa Apertivo
Cocchi Americano Rosa Apertivo is a 16.5% ABV Italian aperitivo from Asti, Piedmont — a blend of aromatic Brachetto and Malvasia red wines, fortified and infused with gentian, cinchona, bitter-orange zest, ginger, and rose petals, then rested a full year before bottling to marry the flavors. Bittered in the Americano tradition (from "amaricante," meaning bittered — a different category from vermouth), it is the rosé sibling of the classic Bianco: floral, fruity, and gently bitter. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA, in a 750mL bottle.
- ABV: 16.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Base wines: Brachetto and Malvasia (Piedmont)
- Botanicals: Gentian, cinchona, bitter orange, ginger, rose petals
- Rested: One year before bottling
- Origin: Asti, Piedmont, Italy — Giulio Cocchi (est. 1891)
Asti's Rosé Americano, Since 1891
Giulio Cocchi — a young pastry chef from Florence who moved to Asti in 1891 — built his name on aromatized wines, and the Bava family still makes them there today. Where the Bianco is built on Moscato, the Rosa starts with red Piedmont varietals plus ginger and rose petals, landing slightly more bitter than its white sibling. See the full Cocchi range.
Tasting Notes
Vibrant light Bordeaux red. Strawberries, raspberries, and cherries meet rose petals, violets, lavender, and orange oil on the nose; the palate opens sweet with ripe berry fruit and vanilla, then gentian and herbs dry it out through clove spice and pink grapefruit. A long red-berry finish with bitter herbal complexity (per Difford's Guide).
How to Enjoy
Serve over ice with a grapefruit twist, or as a spritz — 50mL Rosa topped with tonic, strawberry slices, and basil. It also works as a more delicate stand-in for red bitter liqueurs in cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cocchi Americano Rosa?
An Italian aperitivo wine from Piedmont — red wine fortified and infused with gentian, cinchona, citrus, ginger, and rose petals. It is bittered in the Americano tradition, not a vermouth.
How is Rosa different from Cocchi Americano Bianco?
The Rosa is made from red base wines (Brachetto and Malvasia) with ginger and rose petals, and it is slightly more bitter than the white-wine-based Bianco.
How do you drink Cocchi Americano Rosa?
Over ice, as a spritz with tonic and citrus, or in cocktails calling for a bitter aperitivo.
What is the ABV of Cocchi Americano Rosa?
16.5% ABV.
For an aperitivo with real Piedmont character, order Cocchi Americano Rosa Apertivo online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.