Yzaguirre Reserva Red Vermouth

Yzaguirre Reserva Red Vermouth can do everything a good fortified wine should be able to do. It’s versatile, delicious, and plays well with its others. It’s a mid-range offering from the El Morell based winery and, unlike many Spanish Vermouths, it can actually be found in stores across the United States.

Coming in at 18% ABV, this vermouth spends 12 months in oak barrels to give it its rich, complex character. The company has been using the same recipe since the 19th Century and it remains a closely guarded secret. But we do know almost 80 herbs and spices go into the mix and that it has been chosen as the Best Vermouth of Catalonia.

A mahogany red in color, the Reserva Red Vermouth possesses a fragrant bouquet of herbs and bright spices. The palate is well-balanced with good acidity and flavors of ripe fruit, wood, and herbs. The finish is long and velvety.

As previously mentioned, this Vermouth can do just about anything. It can be sipped as an everyday aperitif, enjoyed as an ingredient in a cocktail, or even used for seasoning meat or shellfish paella. If you’re looking to mix something up, the Bodegas recommends a Boulevardier:

Boulevardier

3 cl Campari or bitters
2.25 cl Carpano Antica Formula
4.5 cl The Glenrothes Select Reserve
0.75 cl Yzaguirre Reserva Red Vermouth

In the glass cup of a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients along with 3-5 ice cubes. Shake for 10-12 seconds then serve in a chilled cocktail glass using a double wire mesh strainer. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.

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Founded in 1884, Yzaguirre still manufactures their Vermouths via traditional methods. The formulas remain secret to this day, but that hasn’t stopped them from innovating their methods. The Bodegas Yzaguirre winery is located in El Morell, between Reus and Tarragona.

Yzaguirre makes a variety of other products, including Rosé Vermouth Saint Valentine’s, Classic Red Vermouth, Classic White Vermouth, Rosé Vermouth, Reserva White Vermouth, Reserva Dry Vermouth, Selection 1884 Vermouth, Vermouth Yzaguirre Herbal Vintage, Francisco Simó and Cia red vermouth, and La Fresquita Mini Tinta sangria.