Vermut Fernando de Castilla

Rey Fernando de Castilla is based in Jerez, in Andalusia, and this vermouth is built on aged sherry as its base wine rather than a neutral still white. That is what defines it. Sherry from the Marco de Jerez is aged under the solera system on chalky albariza soils, and oxidative or flor ageing gives the base its nutty, saline and dried character before it is aromatised. The wine is fortified and macerated with wormwood and a set of herbs, spices and citrus, drawing their bitter and aromatic compounds into the blend, which is then sweetened. The sherry base supplies a depth of walnut, dried fruit and savoury complexity that a fresh white base cannot. The colour is amber. The nose is citrus and floral with warm spice over a nutty sherry core. The palate is sweet, intense, long and balanced, the wormwood bitterness and clove set against the rich sherry weight, the finish smooth and unctuous. Serve over ice with an orange twist as an aperitif, or neat at cool room temperature. It pairs with charcuterie, roast pork and hard, nutty cheese, and the sweet, nutty character also suits caramel and chocolate desserts.