Altamura: The Italian Region Behind the World’s Finest Vodka
Natasha Daniels
A deep dive into the history of Altamura, its wheat, and why it’s the secret to exceptional vodka.
Some places are defined by their landscapes, others by their traditions. Altamura is defined by both. Tucked away in Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, this ancient town is famous for two things: its impossibly beautiful bread and its impossibly rare wheat.
And now? It’s the home of the world’s finest vodka.
The Legacy of Altamura Wheat
If you’ve never heard of Altamura wheat, then rest assured – this isn’t the mass-produced, industrialised wheat found in ordinary spirits. This is a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) grain, a title usually reserved for Italy’s most prized exports – think Parma ham, Modena balsamic, San Marzano tomatoes. Grown for centuries in the fertile lands of Puglia, Altamura wheat is high in protein, rich in character, and full of history. The same qualities that make it the foundation of Italy’s most prized bread also make it the ultimate base for vodka.
Most vodkas strip their ingredients away, chasing neutrality above all else. Altamura Distilleries Vodka does the opposite. It embraces the depth, warmth, and complexity of its wheat, allowing its smooth, subtly sweet, and full-bodied character to shine. It’s vodka that actually tastes of something – delicately beautiful but with a presence that lingers in the memory, much like the town itself.
The Cappiello Family: Keepers of Altamura’s Most Precious Grain
A Place of Mystery, Beauty and Indulgence
Altamura isn’t just the birthplace of exceptional wheat, it’s a place that carries centuries of secrets, rebellion and indulgence. Wander its streets and you’ll find hidden medieval passageways, sun-drenched piazzas, and grand palaces built by feudal lords who knew a thing or two about decadence. Its Romanesque cathedral, commissioned by Emperor Frederick II in 1232, is one of the most venerated sanctuaries in Puglia, standing as a testament to the city’s rich history.
And then there’s the food and drink culture, because of course, this is Italy. The legendary Pane di Altamura, a thick-crusted golden bread so perfect that it has its own protected status, is the kind of thing that makes people rethink everything they thought they knew about bread. Pair it with local cheeses, a drizzle of Puglian olive oil, an ice-cold vodka cocktail – or better yet, a sip of Altamura Distilleries Vodka at room temperature, the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
But Altamura’s mysteries don’t end at street level. Beneath its limestone terrain, you’ll find the grotta di Lamalunga, home to the 130,000-year-old calcified Altamura Man, a fossil so perfectly well-preserved it looks like something out of mythology. Not to mention the dinosaur footprints found in Contrada Pontrelli, where some thirty thousand fossilised steps offer a glimpse into a prehistoric world.
And, as is only right for our hometown, Altamura has a rebellious streak stretching back centuries, too. In 1799, it was one of the few cities to openly embrace the ideals of the French Revolution, setting up a self-governing republic and resisting the return of the Bourbon monarchy. The revolution failed, but the attitude remained – Altamura is, and always has been, a place where tradition and defiance go hand in hand.
The bread of Altamura
The bread of Altamura has been appreciated for its uniqueness for over 2000 years. It is the wheat from Altamura that forms the foundations of this fantastic culinary product.
The Water, the Climate, the Craft
Great vodka needs more than just exceptional wheat. It needs the right water, the right conditions, and the right hands to make it. Altamura sits at the crossroads of Mediterranean warmth and cool Apennine breezes, creating the perfect climate for its ancient grain. The water? Drawn from mineral-rich aquifers deep beneath Puglia’s limestone bedrock, naturally filtered over centuries. It’s soft, clean, and pristine – the ideal partner for a wheat so full of flavour.
Then there’s the distillation process, where centuries-old Italian craftsmanship meets modern precision. It’s not about speed or mass production. It’s about control, refinement, and knowing exactly when to let the wheat speak for itself.
Why Altamura Vodka is Different
You don’t just drink Altamura Distilleries Vodka, you experience it. It’s the Martini that lingers a little longer. The Cosmopolitan that feels silkier. The Bloody Mary that hits the right spot. The Sgroppino that becomes the highlight of the afternoon. It’s vodka that refuses to blend into the background – elegant, smooth, and undeniably Italian.
So when we say Altamura is behind the world’s finest vodka, we don’t just mean the name on the bottle. We mean the land, the water, the wheat, and the people who have perfected the art of indulgence.
Because some places don’t just make great things. They make legends.
Natasha Daniels
Natasha is an award-winning scriptwriter, strategist, and digital consultant with over a decade of experience crafting compelling narratives across TV, audio, and branded content. She has worked with high-profile clients such as the BBC, Netflix, and A24, as well as luxury brands including Burberry, Gucci, and Armani.
How to Stock a Home Bar Properly (with Vodka)
Natasha Daniels
A guide to the essentials for a premium home bar, with a vodka-first approach
There’s an undeniable pleasure in making a great cocktail at home. The precise pour, the clink of ice, the first sip of something beautifully balanced. But let’s be honest… the best cocktails aren’t just about taste, they’re about the moment. The stolen glances over a perfectly chilled coupe, the slow swirl of ice in a crystal-clear Martini, the way the night lingers just a little longer when the drinks are right. A home bar isn’t about impressing guests with endless bottles. It’s about curating an experience. And the best ones? They always start with vodka.
At the heart of any well-appointed bar is Altamura Distilleries Vodka, because the best nights begin with the right bottle. Crafted from rare Italian wheat, it’s the smoothest foundation for everything from retro-futurist Cosmopolitans to late-night Espresso Martinis. Unlike spirits that demand attention, vodka seduces in whispers. It’s effortless. It’s refined. It’s the one thing your bar cannot be without.
Vodka Elevates the Classics
Now, we’re not saying other spirits don’t deserve a place on your shelf – for those visitors who may not know better – but vodka takes them up a level. A Vesper Martini blends gin with vodka for a dangerously smooth sip. A Vodka Negroni takes the classic Italian aperitivo and gives it a softer, silkier edge. A Vodka Daiquiri? Just as fresh, just as playful, just better. The Vodka Manhattan swaps whisky for something a little less obvious, a little more unexpected, and while the Margarita is not one to be trifled with, the Vodka Paloma is a rebellious twist on tequila’s second favourite party trick. And then there’s the Sgroppino—half cocktail, half dessert, entirely impossible to say no to. A blend of vodka, prosecco, and lemon sorbet, it’s light, frothy and dangerously drinkable.
Essential Ingredients Beyond the Bottle
Of course, what’s a well-stocked bar without the right accomplices? A premium dry vermouth is non-negotiable for a Martini, while a sweet vermouth unlocks the perfect Vodka Manhattan. A dash of orange or grapefruit bitters elevates a Vodka Old Fashioned, while fresh Italian citrus – lemons, limes, blood oranges – turns even the simplest serve into something tangy and seductive. And let’s not forget the essentials for the late-night mischief-makers: espresso, cold brew, and just enough coffee liqueur to keep the night going. A good Italian prosecco is also a must—not just for celebrations, but for Vodka Spritzes, summer aperitivi, and the endlessly tempting Sgroppino.
Glassware and tools are not just accessories, they’re part of your performance. A well-made Vodka Martini deserves to be poured into a chilled coupe so cold it leaves condensation on your fingertips. A Vodka Negroni? Heavy glass, single cube, no exceptions. A highball is your best friend for long, slow drinks – the kind that lets your evening stretch into the early hours. And a mixing glass, shaker, jigger and strainer? Non-negotiable.
The Altamura Distilleries Martini (…and other Signature Cocktails to Master)
To make the most of Altamura Distilleries Vodka, you’ll also need a few go-to cocktails that you can make effortlessly. A Vodka Martini (stirred, never shaken) for when you want to make an impression. A Spritz for when you want something light, fresh, and effortlessly cool. The Espresso Martini when the night’s still young, and the Vodka Negroni when you want something with a little more bite. If you prefer a longer drink, a Vodka Collins or Vodka Bramble will keep things zesty, and when it’s time to lean into indulgence, the Sgroppino is your ultimate excuse.
The Altamura Distilleries Martini made by the legendary
Maestro Salvatore Calabrese at The Donovan Bar.
The perfect match.
The Altamura Distilleries Martini (…and other Signature Cocktails to Master)
To make the most of Altamura Distilleries Vodka, you’ll also need a few go-to cocktails that you can make effortlessly. A Vodka Martini (stirred, never shaken) for when you want to make an impression. A Spritz for when you want something light, fresh, and effortlessly cool. The Espresso Martini when the night’s still young, and the Vodka Negroni when you want something with a little more bite. If you prefer a longer drink, a Vodka Collins or Vodka Bramble will keep things zesty, and when it’s time to lean into indulgence, the Sgroppino is your ultimate excuse.
The Altamura Distilleries Martini made by the legendary Maestro Salvatore Calabrese at The Donovan Bar. The perfect match.
Intentional Curation Over Excess
A home bar is not about excess, it’s about intent. It’s about the right bottles, the right ingredients, and the right kind of trouble. With vodka at the heart of your bar, the possibilities are endless… just add ice, a little creativity, and someone worth sharing it with.
Natasha Daniels
Natasha is an award-winning scriptwriter, strategist, and digital consultant with over a decade of experience crafting compelling narratives across TV, audio, and branded content. She has worked with high-profile clients such as the BBC, Netflix, and A24, as well as luxury brands including Burberry, Gucci, and Armani.
Martini Thai: A Taste of Two Worlds
Natasha Daniels
Sipping on Scenery: Inspired by The White Lotus’ Exotic Destinations
Some places call to us with an irresistible allure… a mix of sun-drenched beauty, whispered secrets, and indulgent luxury. Places where nights stretch into mornings, where the air is thick with the scent of citrus and salt, and where the only rule is to embrace the glorious art of misbehaving.
Watching the opening episode of Mike White’s latest season of The White Lotus—set against the lush backdrop of Koh Samui, at one of our friends, the Four Seasons Group’s iconic resorts—we couldn’t help but think back to the previous season, framed by the golden glow of Sicily’s historic Taormina.
The contrast of these two worlds, each seductive in its own way, inspired us to bring them together in a chilled glass.
Enter the Martini Thai, crafted by our Head of Brand, Lorenzo Di Cola. A cocktail that marries Altamura Distilleries’ Italian craftsmanship with the bold, aromatic flavours of Thailand, creating a drink that feels both luxurious and unexpected—just like the most indulgent getaways. A spicy, zesty twist on a Dirty Martini, this is a cocktail for long, languid evenings as the sun sets, whatever hemisphere you’re in.
Whether you find yourself in a marble-clad bar overlooking the Andaman Sea, a sun-drenched terrace in Taormina, or simply at home, dreaming of your next escape, the Martini Thai brings a taste of the extraordinary, wherever you are.
A Cocktail Worth Escaping For
The Dirthai Martini is all about indulgence and escape—because some of the best nights start with a sip, and end when the sun rises.
With a glass of Altamura Distilleries Vodka in hand, the world becomes a little more beautiful, a little more mysterious, and infinitely more pleasurable.
Because the best moments happen when you least expect them… especially when you’re living your own version of la Dolce Vita.
Natasha Daniels
Natasha is an award-winning scriptwriter, strategist, and digital consultant with over a decade of experience crafting compelling narratives across TV, audio, and branded content. She has worked with high-profile clients such as the BBC, Netflix, and A24, as well as luxury brands including Burberry, Gucci, and Armani.
The History of the Espresso Martini: From London’s Glamour to Italian Allure
Natasha Daniels
How a bold London creation found its sultry Italian soul
In the dimly lit corners of 1980s London, where the air was thick with ambition and the nights promised endless possibilities, a legend was born. At the heart of this tale is Dick Bradsell, a bartender with a knack for alchemy, and a mysterious supermodel whose request would forever change the cocktail landscape.
The Birth at Fred’s Club
Picture this: the pulsating energy of Fred’s Club in Soho, a haven for the elite and the enigmatic. One evening, a striking figure – rumoured to be a supermodel in her heyday – glides to the bar. With a gaze that could ignite the night, she purrs, “Darling, I need something that will wake me up and then…” Well, you get the idea. Bradsell, ever the maestro, combined the richness of freshly brewed espresso with the clarity of premium vodka, adding a touch of coffee liqueur for depth. The result? The Espresso Martini – a drink as invigorating as it is intoxicating, embodying the very essence of 80s excess and elegance.
The Italian Connection: Con La Mosca
While the Espresso Martini was making waves in London, Italy had its own seductive coffee-infused tradition: Sambuca con la Mosca. Translating to ‘Sambuca with the fly,’ this classic serve features three toasted coffee beans floating atop the anise-flavored liqueur. Each bean symbolizes health, happiness, and prosperity – a trifecta of desires in every sip. The visual of the dark beans against the clear spirit was as captivating as an Italian sunset, and the ritual of toasting to life’s pleasures added a layer of intimacy to the experience. So it was only natural that this little flourish of Italian flair would find its way into the Espresso Martini, elevating it from a bold London invention to a drink with an irresistible whisper of Italian seduction.
What started as a late-night request in Soho became a visual feast, a sensory indulgence, and a global icon of effortless cool that sees the evening stretch out into the early hours. The robust flavors of Italian espresso, known for its intense aroma and velvety texture, elevated the cocktail to new heights. Marrying this with Italy’s artisanal spirits and the nation’s flair for la dolce vita, the Espresso Martini transformed from a London-born rebel to an Italian sophisticate. Today, whether you’re in a chic Roman café or a late night haunt in Soho, the Espresso Martini stands as a testament to cross-cultural allure – a drink that awakens the senses and stirs the soul.
Crafting Your Own Italian-Inspired Espresso Martini
To bring a touch of Italian seduction to your next soirée, here’s a recipe that pays homage to its storied past. Sip slowly, allowing the rich coffee notes to entwine with the smooth vodka, and let the legacy of the Espresso Martini transport you to a world where every moment is a tantalising dance between day and night.
The Espresso Martini
Natasha Daniels
Natasha is an award-winning scriptwriter, strategist, and digital consultant with over a decade of experience crafting compelling narratives across TV, audio, and branded content. She has worked with high-profile clients such as the BBC, Netflix, and A24, as well as luxury brands including Burberry, Gucci, and Armani.