A 148-year-old Italian winery has suddenly become the hottest thing in New York at the moment. 

But this Italian winery isn't just your ordinary winery.. oh no, it's so much more.

Having once supplied the Vatican with it's house vino, Contratto winery is breaking into the Big Apple. 

Under new management, Contratto, is hitting the trendiest restaurant and bars that the city has to offer. 

It's crimson-coloured Aperitif and Bitter liquors are low alcohol, bitter spirits, that are meant to be consumed before dinner. 

Just think of them as a hipper version of the popular Italian herbal aperitifs like Campari and Aperol. 

“Campari is one-note and dry, [a flavour] that everyone has grown accustomed to,” says Adam Schuman, spirits portfolio manager at Michael Skurnik Wines, which began distributing the Contratto bottles earlier this year.

“Contratto is a little softer and more delicate… and wildly complex.”

They're also natural, getting their vibrant tones from carrots and beetroot, not artificial colouring, like Campari does.

Contratto Aperitif has just 13.5 percent alcohol, a soft bitterness and subtle herby flavour. Mixed with sparkling wine or club soda, it’s a refreshing way to start a night.

The deep-magenta Bitter is 22 percent alcohol with a stronger, more medicinal taste, but it’s still an early evening sipper.