Italian Street Scene: Charming Lake View

Street-born Delights: Aperitivi

From the cobblestones of Italy, an experience of wine, snacks, and ease pours into global appreciation. Aperitivi is an Italian art de vivre, and it revolves around the idea of the aperitivo. From its clear namesake, an aperitivo is an alcoholic beverage meant to stimulate the appetite. The word comes from the Latin apiretivus, which means "open" or "uncover." It implies the drink's purpose: to unleash the appetite, and starts the dining experience well-before the main meal. In a sense, the aperitivo is meant to be exactly as it sounds: a small mouthful of refreshment, an invitation to continue with other bites and beverages. With a low alcohol content (often the translations of "aperitivo" and "aperitif" are interchangeable), the aperitivo is meant to be a slow-and-steady approach to a much wider meal, rather than as a quick crutch to drink much larger volumes.

Scope of the Aperitivo

The aperitivo has become a habit for Italians. Italy has been toying with the world's definition of vermouth and other classic aperitivo drinks for a while. The "aperitivo" trend has spread across Europe. As one watches the scene where the wine bar sign is shown, it’s clear that Italy has a knack for these aperitivi. The aperitivo captures the essence of Italian hospitality, inviting both locals and visitors to unwind. Vibrant scenes bring out the best of Italy’s scenery, such as a flower-filled balcony and a view of a lake or mountains. Many Italians will enjoy this small aperitivo as a prelude to a larger meal.

The Flow of the Aperitivo Experience

Rituals of the aperitivo depend on the location and the individual. The overall flow of an aperitivo goes as follows:

The Wine Glass

The experience of drinking an aperitivo starts with the wine glass itself. The size of the glass, the shape of the glass, and even the way it’s poured will greatly affect the flavor. For example, white wine is often served in a tulip-shaped glass, which allows the drinker to drink the beverage while limiting the amount that gets exposed to oxygen.

Wine as Ingredient and Drink

In the aperitivo, wine has the dual role of happening within a drink and as an aperitivo itself. For example, one might enjoy a few mouthfuls of wine with a nice snack. This is the aperitivo experience in a nutshell. It is a process that starts with the wine itself, and then continues on with a few extra sites—the meal, the company, the atmosphere.

Aperitivo and Snacks

Along with the wine, many places will offer snacks, just as in the scene where drinks were at the table with olives and chips. Many aperitivo are usually served with a light meal, that not only includes wine. Smaller snacks can be found along the cobblestone streets of Italy, where food carts will offer different foods to pair with the aperitivo. Some of the most popular pairings for an aperitivo include olives, seafood, and cheese.

Finding Aperitivo in Italy

The combination of the wine, the setting, and the conversation makes the aperitivo a unique experience. If you're considering visiting, planning a trip, or recreating the experience at home:

• Location: Head to a northern Italian town, or even a big city like Barcelona. These locations are known for their aperitivo culture. There are many places to stop and try some aperitivo.
• Time: The best time is around sunset, so that the golden sunlight can show off the beautiful scenery.
• Ambiance: Aperitivo is equally about the conversation. Go with a group, and do not hesitate to engage in the small talk around you.
• Getting Involved: Don’t have to rely on a waiter. At many locales, you can head to the bar and ask about the aperitivo menu, sample, and eat.
• Wine and Snacks Pairings: Start with classic combinations—olives, chips, and white wine. If you want to try something new, feel free to order any other snacks that seem appealing.