Vermú Petroni Rojo

Petroni is made by Vermutería de Galicia in the cool, wet north-west of Spain, a project started in 2014 to produce a vermouth of character without following trends. Its point of difference is the base wine: Albariño from Galicia, grown on granitic soils under a damp Atlantic climate that gives a high-acid, aromatic white with a saline edge. That fresh, citrus-driven base carries the maceration with unusual lift. Production follows the traditional vermouth method, with the Albariño macerated with wormwood and a blend of herbs, roots and spices, then sweetened and stabilised so the aromatic and bitter compounds hold. The bright acidity of the base keeps the sweetness in check and gives the finished red vermouth more cut than most. The colour is a deep, lustrous red shot with coppery glints. The nose reveals ripe fruit and hints of vanilla and delicate pastry over a balsamic, spiced undertone. The palate is smooth and aromatic, the herbal bitterness clean and well balanced against the fruit. Serve chilled at 8 to 10C over ice with orange. It works as an aperitif with seafood, olives and cured meats.