Savoia signs distribution deal with Ten Locks

Aperitivo brand Savoia has signed a distribution deal with Ten Locks for its Americano Rosso, a drink that serves as a bittersweet celebration of both the north and south of Italy.

Founder Giuseppe Gallo took inspiration from an 1897 recipe for ‘Bitter di Milano’, but added a Sicilian twist in the form of Marsala DOC fortified wine to complement the botanicals of mandarin, star anise and aloe, among others. He chose to name the brand ‘Savoia’ after the royal house that oversaw the unification of Italy in the 1860s.

The beverage is distilled in Piedmont and the bottle was designed to evoke Turin’s Mole Antonelliana dome. It is suggested to be served as an addition to spritzes, Negronis or just neat. Though it is already available at venues including The Connaught and The Ritz, this new deal means that its reach will significantly increase.

Gallo toasted the partnership: “With Ten Locks appointed as our UK distributor, we’re confident Savoia can make its mark in the thriving British bar scene. Bringing style and substance with a unique complexity, Savoia is set to revolutionise the category and will soon become a bartender must-have to create aperitivo-style drinks.”

Savoia joins a plethora of other brands in the Ten Locks portfolio, including Nusa Caña rum and El Tequileñ0 Tequila. Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, said: “The aperitivo culture is building and breathing new life to drinks menus, primarily driven by classic serves that all continue to have their moment in the sun”

Davies continued: “Savoia is an exceptional spirit that adds real depth to cocktails. It has been carefully crafted to bring a fresh and progressive take on an Italian classic, and is extremely well positioned to become an exquisite back bar staple.”

Recently, on World Aperitivo Day, a 10 rule manifesto for aperitivi was revealed.