Martini launches non-alcoholic aperitivo made with vermouth wine base

Bacardi-owned wine brand Martini has launched a non-alcoholic alternative to its vermouths.

The aperitifs, which are made with the “same quality” wines used to make Martini’s standard vermouths, are de-alcoholised and infused with a selection of sustainably sourced botanicals.

There are two variants in the new range: Martini Non-Alcoholic Vibrante, supposedly made with Italian Bergamot, and Martini Non-Alcoholic Floreale, which “takes inspiration from the delicate sweetness of Roman Chamomile…to create a unique floral tasting experience.”

The Vibrante will be available in Ocado, from March 2020.

Beppe Musso, Martini’s Master Blender, said: “We have selected quality ingredients – wines, botanicals and herbs. We carefully remove the alcohol from the wine before adding the botanicals and herbs to preserve the authentic aroma and taste. The result is unmistakably MARTINI – but without the alcohol.”

Bacardi has started to target the rising number of abstainers in the UK, having already launched a non-alcoholic sparkling ‘wine’ last year, after successfully trialling it in African and Asian markets. A recent study by the Portman Group found that 24% of British drinkers are keen to cut back on booze, rising to nearly a third (31%) for the 18-24 age bracket, dubbed ‘Generation Sensible’.

Unlike the new aperitifs, Martini’s alcohol-free fizz is not de-alcoholised. Instead it is kept at a cool temperature, with “a few preservatives added” to prevent any of the must undergoing alcoholic fermentation. The seemingly-simple wine-like beverage took two years to bring to market, according to Marco Mazzini, the global brand director of Martini Sparkling Wines at Bacardi.