Newly launched vino aperitivo SAVOIA Americano has just picked up the top award in the ‘Lite with Bite’ category (0.5% to 18% abv) at the People’s Choice Drinks Award 2023. Judged by both the UK public (vetted spirits lovers) and respected drinks writers, buyers, retailers and distillers, the renowned competition prides itself on being inclusive and relevant to today’s spirits industry.

 

Demonstrating the UK’s continued love for lower abv drinks and the bitter/sweet aperitivo category, the win is also testament to SAVOIA and the Italspirits team, who continues to exceed expectations by adding yet another prestigious award to their clutch of accolades.

Since launching in 2022, SAVOIA Americano has won five reputable awards to date, including: Best Aperitif from the Spirits Innovation Awards in Paris 2023, Gold Medals in both the Global Low & No Masters and the Global Spirits Design Masters categories (The Spirits Business), Innovation of the Year (Bargiornale’s Bar Awards 2022), alongside the most recent People's Choice Awards 2023 (Light Bite: 0.5-18% category).

“This is an incredible achievement to be awarded the People’s Choice Drink Award, especially by the very people who support and love our product,” remarked Robert Mariani Advocacy Director of Italspirits. “This really empowers and validates our commitment to delivering the best possible product to our consumers.”

Perfect mid-point between red bitters and sweet vermouths

Representing a perfect mid-point between the bitter (“amaro”) and vermouth (“dolce”) – and capturing both styles in one timeless-looking bottle – SAVOIA Americano is a liquid that is not only a delicious aperitivo in its own right, but also a versatile all-in-one base for a variety of drinks, and perfect for anyone looking to make classic Italian cocktails.

 

Made with exceptional and predominantly Italian ingredients, SAVOIA Americano starts from the ugni blanc white wine blended with 14-month oak-aged DOC Marsala Fine wine and aromatic herbs – including bitter orange, artemisia, gentian root, aloe and mandarin – as part of a complex blend of over 20 hand-selected botanicals. 

The beverage is inspired by an authentic recipe – ‘Bitter di Milano’ – that dates back to 1897. It is vegan-certified, 100-per-cent natural, and contains significantly less sugar than other red bitters or vermouths on the market. Moreover, SAVOIA Americano is the first of its kind to use the 14-month oak-aged DOC Marsala Fino wine, adding to its unique flavour.

Invented by a leading drinks industry innovator

Savoia Americano was a created by drinks-industry innovator Giuseppe Gallo – one of the world’s most respected bartenders and drinks-industry innovators, with an unrivalled passion for the drinks business and an inimitable source of knowledge and insight into the world of aperitivo. 

Hailing from the Amalfi Coast, Gallo’s passion for mixology stems from his strong Italian heritage. Widely considered a vermouth expert, he has spent over 15 years travelling the world and educating consumers and professionals on the category. This work has culminated in winning ‘International Ambassador of the Year at the prestigious awards in the drinks industry, Tales of The Cocktail’s Spirited Awards in 2014. 

In September 2016, Gallo created Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, reinvigorating a forgotten aperitivo category, and going on to win countless industry awards since its launch. 

In 2019, Giuseppe launched the Roma Bar Show, the first-ever international cocktail festival to be held in Italy.