Alvear Vermouth Rojo Artesano de Pedro Ximénez

Alvear was founded in Montilla, in the Andalusian province of Córdoba, in 1729 and is one of Spain's oldest wineries. Its red vermouth is built on the Pedro Ximénez grape that defines Montilla-Moriles, grown on the chalky albariza soils of the region under a hot inland climate where the grapes ripen to high sugar. Pedro Ximénez is traditionally sun dried on mats to concentrate that sweetness, and as a base for vermouth it brings raisined fruit, caramel and depth of colour before any botanicals are added. The base wine is macerated with wormwood and a range of herbs and sweet spices, the long contact drawing aromatic and bitter compounds into the wine, with the Montilla solera tradition lending an oxidative, nutty edge. The colour is deep. The nose is powerful, with citrus, toasted caramel, dried fruit, sweet spices, woodwork and raisins. The palate is balanced and broad, elegant and spicy, with a floral background and the natural sweetness of the Pedro Ximénez carried by a herbal, gently bitter frame. Serve over ice with orange as an aperitif, or at cool cellar temperature. The caramel and raisin depth suits sweeter food at the end of a meal.