Lustau Vermut Rojo

Lustau is one of the great Sherry houses of Jerez de la Frontera, and its red vermouth is unusual in being built on a base of Sherry rather than a neutral white wine. Oenologist Sergio Martínez blends Amontillado and Pedro Ximénis from the bodega's own soleras, so the vermouth carries the nutty, oxidative character of flor and cask ageing before any botanicals are added. The Palomino base is grown on the chalky albariza soils of the Jerez triangle and aged under the solera system, where successive years are fractionally blended for consistency and the slow contact with oak and air builds complexity. That Sherry foundation is then macerated with wormwood and a range of herbs and spices, with the sweetness and depth of the Pedro Ximénez giving body and colour. The nose is intense and complex, with ripe fruit, citrus, dried herbs and a background of smoky wood. The palate is velvety, smooth and oily, the sweetness balanced by a savoury, nutty depth that runs into a hazelnut and gently bitter finish. Serve over ice with orange peel as an aperitif, or neat at cool cellar temperature. The Sherry backbone makes it a good partner for salted nuts and cured meats.