Vermouth La Madre Premium

La Madre works from Batea in the Terra Alta zone of Tarragona, and Premium is its flagship vermouth. The wine base is fortified to 15 percent and macerated with 40 selected botanicals, then aged for ten months in a combination of ceramic amphorae and wooden barrels. The amphorae allow gentle oxygen exchange without adding wood character, while the barrels contribute a slow oxidative roundness, and together they build the texture that sets this style apart from a straight infused vermouth. Wormwood and bittering herbs anchor the structure, with sugar setting the sweet red profile. The nose is enveloping and intricate, suggesting a pantry of ripe fruit and balsamic herbs, with clove and nutmeg spice. The palate is dense and velvety, carrying plum and raisin, dried herbs and orange peel, before a long bitter finish. Serve chilled over ice with an orange twist, or sip it neat in a small glass after the amphora and barrel ageing have done their work.