Yzaguirre Rojo RESERVA Vermouth 1L
Yzaguirre has been made in Reus, Catalonia, since 1884, making it the oldest Spanish vermouth brand still in production today. The house was the first winery in Spain to release a Vermouth Reserva, and its Rojo Reserva was voted the best vermouth in Spain by the Spanish Association of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers on the occasion of the brand's 140th anniversary.
The vermouth begins as a white wine base made from hand-picked, indigenous Macabeo grapes left to ferment naturally. This base is blended with a closely guarded aromatic extract drawn from nearly eighty herbs and spices, macerated for several months to build its signature depth. The finished vermouth then rests for twelve months in large oak barrels previously used to age rum, a step that lends it color, roundness, and a subtle woody character.
In the glass it shows a deep mahogany red. The nose offers orange peel and cinnamon over a light balsamic edge, while the palate turns velvety, with layers of wood, dried herbs, and ripe fruit balanced by gentle acidity. Serve it over ice with a twist of orange, or alongside cured meats, olives, or a rich meat stew.