Spritz Campiglio Style

Spritz Campiglio Style

A few months ago while in Vicenza these two piglets reintroduced themselves to an aperitif Vicentina, the now infamous Spritz. Although good, I felt I had to give my allegiance to Italian bollicini finding the Spritz to be good but not exceptional. Now, I have changed my tune after having these Campiglio style, in fact I now talk about them non-stop. The difference is in the type of white wine used; at Vicenza these are made haphazardly as far as measuring is concerned. They contain white wine, Aperol (bright orange bitter) and water and a little bit of ice.

While visiting Campiglio, we stumbled on a fantastic “watering hole” for our preferred bar. Not only because the prices were fair but also the Spritz was out of this world and always accompanied with small cutting boards of Spec or cheese. The first time ordering these Campiglio Spritz, we were amazed at how good they were and ended up doing a second round. After that little sosta, this drink became our all time favorite particularly after coming down off the mountains in the afternoons from hikes. Until I was told what went into them, I had no clue as to the “why” of my preference and here is the secret: instead of any old white wine, they use Prosecco (no wonder)!

The glasses are well stocked with ice Aperol, Prosecco and some water although we do not know the right proportions of each ingredient except the ice. ;-) After about the fourth time at the watering hole, we talked to the "tender" and he told us the Spritz is not only the “in” drink (he serves gazillions of them) but has become the preferred cocktail of the “in” places and of that area. Curiously, while strolling the main square in front of the Swiss Chalet Bar/Café we noted there was nothing but the orange drinks on almost every table. Looking at each other and thinking the same thing, we decided to test one out at  "the Suisse " and compare it to our favorite bar tender’s special. The drink was good, served in smaller wine glasses but it just did not have the flavor of the other; must be the type of Prosecco used. So, on the last day before reentry to the big city, we had our farewell Spritz and will not have another until returning to that area (would hate to ruin a great memory)! Looks like we will be making plans to head back there real soon, the withdrawals are terrible.

September 16, 2008