Meletti 1870 Bitter is an Italian bitter aperitivo from Meletti of Ascoli Piceno, in the Le Marche region, bottled at 25% ABV. Meletti was founded in 1870 by Silvio Meletti, and this bitter is named for the year the family business began.
It is made from three separate distillates, each produced independently before blending: sweet orange, bitter orange, and an infusion of spices and herbs.
Gentian, coriander, clove and cinnamon are among the botanicals, alongside the citrus.
It pours a vibrant, rosy red and balances bright orange with bittersweet gentian and warm spice, a classic base for the Negroni.
It is a characterful alternative to the better-known Italian bitters.
Vermouth is an aromatised wine: a base wine fortified with neutral spirit and flavoured with botanicals, traditionally including wormwood, which gives the category its name from the German Wermut. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and enjoyed within a few weeks, as the wine base slowly loses its freshness.
Tasting Notes
-
Nose: Sweet and bitter orange with warm spice.
-
Palate: Bittersweet, with gentian, coriander and clove.
-
Finish: Bitter and lingering, with cinnamon.
Specifications
-
Producer: Meletti, Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche (est. 1870)
-
Style: Italian bitter aperitivo
-
Botanicals: Sweet and bitter orange, gentian, coriander, clove, cinnamon
-
ABV: 25% (50 proof)
-
Origin: Italy
-
Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Meletti 1870 Bitter is made for the Negroni: stir equal parts with gin and sweet vermouth over ice and garnish with an orange peel. It also makes a Boulevardier with bourbon, an Americano with sweet vermouth and soda, and a bright Bitter Spritz topped with prosecco and soda water. On its own, serve it over ice with soda and a slice of orange as an aperitivo. Pair it with olives, salted almonds, salumi and fried bites such as olive all'ascolana, the stuffed fried olives of its home town. Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Meletti 1870 Bitter?
Three distillates of sweet orange, bitter orange and herbs and spices, including gentian, coriander, clove and cinnamon.
How do I use it?
In a Negroni, a Boulevardier, an Americano or a spritz.
How strong is it?
It is bottled at 25% ABV.
Explore more in our Liqueur & More collection.
