7 VARIETIES OF SPANISH VERMOUTH THAT ARE LOVE AT FIRST SIP
Vermouth is making a comeback in Spain, and for a good reason. This isn’t the dusty cocktail liquor your parents occasionally use, Spanish vermouth stands out on its own. Bursting with complexity and flavor this classic is served over ice or with a dash of soda. In cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and others, vermouth bars showcase some of the country’s best brands to show why this drink deserves so much attention.
What is Spanish vermouth, exactly?
Spanish vermouth is a fortified white wine made with herbs, spices, and botanicals, before being aged in barrels. Typically, vermouth has hints of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and
a sweet finish. Bartenders will throw in a green olive or two and a slice of orange for more flavor and garnish but it can also be enjoyed on its own. The Italians brought this drink to Catalonia in the 19th century and it was a popular beverage until the 1970s at the end of Franco’s reign. Now however, vermouth is making a comeback.
Vermouth is a drink which brings people together. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends than by kicking back with a glass of vermouth, maybe some tapas, and sharing a story or two. So, without further ado, here are 7 varieties of Spanish vermouth that will make you swoon with just one sip.
Yzaguirre Reserva Rojo
Yzaguirre Reserva Rojo is a prestigious Catalan vermouth that has notes of cinnamon, citrus, and oak. Barrel aged for 12 months this vermouth is beautifully balanced and best suited as an aperitif or a late-afternoon drink. Yzaguirre Reserva Rojo is one of the oldest brands around, and a classic vermouth that’s great for newbies and connoisseurs alike.
Golfo
On the other hand, Golfo is a more modern take on vermouth. It’s from Ribera del Duero and uses local Tempranillo grapes and spices to get its unique, curious taste. The dominant note here is clove, but it’s not overwhelming. Interestingly, Golfo is the first Spanish vermouth to come from the Ribera del Duero area.
Atxa Rojo Premium
Atxa Rojo Premium hails from País Vasco, and is a delightful blend of aromatic herbs and fine white wines. This vermouth is a fruitier one, with strong notes of sweet cherry. You’ll also get notes of licorice and cinnamon to balance out the sweetness. Axta Rojo Premium pairs well with tapas or barbecue.
See more: 10 Most Famous Vermouth Cocktails (with Recipes!)
Cabecita Loca
Cabecita Loca has the proud honor of being the International Wine Challenge’s best vermouth of 2019! Its flavor profile is highly complex, with 20 varieties of herbs and plants, including wormwood, spices, roots, and flowers. Cabecita Loca also achieves a wonderful balance of sweet and bitter that stays long on the tongue as you sip.
Miró Reserva Etiqueta Negra
Miró is a top name in Catalan vermouth, and its Reserva Etiqueta Negra is a prime example as to why. This award-winning vermouth has a very classical profile and comes from Reus, the Spanish town where vermouth was first introduced. Herbaceous, spicy, and deep, this vermouth hits all the right notes. The dominant flavors are oregano and anise, which perfectly harmonize with the sweetness of the wine.
Lustau Rojo
Lustau is famous for its delightful Jerez sherry, which is the base of this unique Spanish vermouth. Lustau Rojo is a combination of amontillado and Pedro Ximénez wines, with herbs like sage and wormwood at the forefront. This is the perfect match to balance out the sweetness from the amontillado.
Lacuesta Reserva Rojo
Lacuesta Reserva Rojo is aged in new French oak barrels. This is unique, as many wines tend to be aged in older barrels to impart the flavour absorbed by the wood. By using new barrels, this vermouth takes on notes of cocoa, coffee, and tobacco, for a deep, rich, and complex profile
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