At Pollenzo, where in the 19th century the Agenzia commissioned by Casa Savoia became an important centre for agricultural and oenological experimentation, a new project is now bringing together historical heritage, wine culture and a contemporary interpretation of Vermouth di Torino.

Called Vermouth dell’Agenzia, it is a Vermouth that embodies the Savoia tradition, created through a collaboration between Giulio Cocchi and Banca del Vino. Developed in tribute to General Paolo Francesco Staglieno (1773–1850), a leading figure in 19th-century Piedmontese oenology and an innovator whose work in Pollenzo contributed to the development of Piedmont’s wine culture and to the supply of wines and vermouth to the Royal House.

Wine historian Giusi Mainardi explains:

“At the request of King Carlo Alberto di Savoia, General Staglieno was responsible for winemaking at the royal estates of Pollenzo during the first half of the 19th century. In the course of my historical research with Pierstefano Berta, I came across this pivotal figure in Piedmontese oenology, whose contribution has never received the recognition it deserves. He was a precursor of the modern oenologist: a professional specifically dedicated to overseeing winemaking in a large-scale cellar. Together, we published his manual, ‘Come fare e conservare vini in Piemonte’, accompanied by detailed technical commentary. The handwritten letters I discovered in the archives provide a direct account of his work in the cellars of Pollenzo, where he was a pioneer in the production of great red wines intended for ageing. His letters also reveal the great care he devoted to the production of vermouth.”

The new recipe, specially developed by Cocchi, results in an amber Vermouth di Torino IGP that offers a contemporary interpretation of a tradition deeply rooted in the territory. The research underpinning the project begins with the history of the Agenzia and the figure of Staglieno, leading to an original composition in which wine and botanicals interact according to a precise vision of balance and Piedmontese identity. At its core is a base defined by Wormwood and quinine bark, complemented by rhubarb, cardamom, citrus, sage and Piedmontese mint.

Roberto Bava, CEO of Cocchi, adds:

“With this project, Cocchi continues its historical and philological research into the role played by the Royal Courts of the Savoia in the creation and dissemination of modern vermouth: Vermouth di Torino dell’Agenzia represents an ideal conceptual continuation of this work. This research also led to the organisation, together with Carta Italia, of Vermouth a Corte, an initiative featuring seminars and tastings held in the royal courts.

From a production standpoint, a significant precedent was Vermouth Riserva La Venaria Reale, created by Cocchi in collaboration with Reggia di Venaria and produced in two editions, in 2016 and 2018. A limited production, it is no longer commercially available. The result of extensive research into the historical and geographical consistency of the recipe and the role of Casa Savoia in the history of modern Vermouth, it incorporated Piedmontese aromatic and medicinal herbs that were cultivated in the Potager Royal of the Savoia residence, including artemisia, yarrow and peppermint.”

 

Federico Piemonte, member of the board of Banca del Vino, concludes:

“For many years, Banca del Vino has worked first with the Istituto del Vermouth di Torino and subsequently with the Consorzio del Vermouth di Torino, as part of a shared commitment to safeguarding and promoting one of the most authentic expressions of Piedmont’s food and wine heritage. This collaboration arose naturally from the profound historical connection between Vermouth di Torino, the Agenzia di Pollenzo and the historic cellars that today house the headquarters of Banca del Vino.

The creation of a Vermouth dedicated to General Staglieno represents not only the culmination of a project developed over the years, but also an almost inevitable step. Thanks to the invaluable involvement of Cocchi, this idea has finally been transformed into a tangible product.

Vermouth di Torino dell’Agenzia di Pollenzo will become a new and important tool for telling the story of, and promoting, the historical, cultural and productive identity of a great Piedmontese product, recognised and appreciated internationally.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of the bottles will be allocated to scholarships at the Università di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo. This initiative also pays tribute to the vision of King Carlo Alberto di Savoia, who chose Pollenzo as a true centre of agricultural innovation in the 19th century.”