‘Papi’ Reyes Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. I love getting the chance to learn something new or interesting about wine.

What is Hotel Starlino?
Hotel Starlino is a new range of relaxed and elegant Italian Aperitifs which have recently launched into the Australian market. Crafted at the Torino Distillery in Torino (Turin) Italy, Hotel Starlino offers a fresh, modern take on a classic aperitif. They’re sessionable and highly versatile in a vast array of drinks.
At the moment the Hotel Starlino range in Australia includes our Rosé Aperitivo, Orange Aperitivo and Rosso Vermouth.

What sets Hotel Starlino’s Vermouth apart from other Vermouths?

Torino, where Hotel Starlino’s vermouth is crafted, is considered the birthplace of modern vermouth. It’s here that Starlino’s distillers, Denis Muni and Beppi Ronco came up with the idea of ageing the Rosso Vermouth in Bourbon barrels after observing that the cask ageing imparted a deliciously smooth, spicy flavour to the wine.
This winemaking knowledge and understanding has allowed them to craft a modern Vermouth unlike others; infused with vanilla, richly textured with enticing notes of raisin, macerated orange, tea, carob and nutmeg.

Why is it called spritz? What’s the difference between a spritz and a spritzer?
A spritz is a wine-based cocktail typically made with a liquor, prosecco, and sparkling soda water. The Rosé Aperitivo and Orange Aperitivo both have a base of beautifully blended wines infused with botanicals and fruit distillates and are low in alcohol, making them the perfect base for an afternoon spritz. ,

Is Rosso Vermouth interchangeable with Bianco Vermouth when making martinis? What cocktails would Rosso Vermouth be typically used in?

The signature serve for Rosso Vermouth is simply on the rocks or within a Manhattan or a Negroni. However, people are welcome to enjoy it in martinis if they wish too! The Starlino Rosso Vermouth is extremely versatile and can be used for both cocktails or simply paired with tonic for a variation on a spritz.

What is an Aperitivo? What is a Digestivo? Is there a difference between the two, when would you serve them?
An aperitivo is considered a pre-meal drink – it’ss intended to be light, sessionable and easy to enjoy. Typically, in Australia, an aperitivo is enjoyed in the early evening hours between work and dinner. This is what makes our Rosé Aperitivo and Orange Aperitivo so perfect for those looking to relax and indulge after work.
A digestivo is an after-dinner drink, typically served in a small glass and are intended to aid digestion.

What do you suggest serving with Hotel Starlino’s Rosé Aperitivo or Orange Aperitivo?
The signature serve for both these drinks are Spritz’s, to be enjoyed with Prosecco and Soda water. However, both are excellent with tonic water or just simply served on the rocks with a slice of pink grapefruit or orange..

I suppose the most important question of all where can we get the Hotel Starlino Range?
Hotel Starlino is available from Dan Murphy’s nationally, online at Boozebud and Amazon AU and select independent retailers including Hairydog Liquor (VIC) and Porters Claremont (WA).

Editor’s note also Discerning Drinks

Starlino Rosé Spritz
Ingredients:
• 2 Parts Starlino Rosé
• 1 Part Prosecco
• 1 Part Soda Water
• A slice of pink grapefruit to garnish

Method:
Mix 2-parts Starlino Rosé with 1 part Prosecco, and 1 part Soda water
in a tall glass and garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit.

 

Christmas Starlino Negroni
Ingredients:
• 1 Part Starlino Rosso Vermouth
• 1 Part Bitters liqueur
• 1 Part Gin
• Orange peel and Maraschino Cherry to garnish
Method:
Mix 1-part Starlino Rosso Vermouth with 1 part Bitters Liqueur, and 1
Part Gin- strain in ice filled glass. Garnish with Orange Peel and
Maraschino Cherry.