For Italians, an aperitivo is a social custom; you go out to drink something mainly to spend time with friends and loved ones. In the past, it didn't really matter where or what: the bar in the town square was just fine, with any old glass of wine accompanied by some olives and potato chips. Today instead, it has become one of the most glamorous moments of the day.
While the original concept of an aperitivo – a drink to be consumed before meals to stimulate the appetite – was created in Turin at the end of the 18th century with Vermouth (white wine mixed with an infusion of over 30 types of herbs and spices), it quickly spread throughout all of Italy. Milan has made it its early evening ritual par excellence, with the invention of happy hour or “apericena,” a.k.a. around two hours where bars serve wine and drinks with a rich buffet of snacks, which vary depending on the type of locale. Over the last few years, cocktails haven't been the only beverage in style during an aperitivo: wines, especially sparkling varieties, whether crafted from the traditional or Charmat method, have made a comeback in particular. Given their geographic proximity to Milan, Franciacorta wines have become a huge hit, with simple, fresh, fragrant versions (such as Ca’ del Bosco’s Cuvée Prestige, for example) standing out as the perfect drink to kick off the evening.