This post has been sponsored by Bodegas Lustau. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.
Vermouth is a key ingredient in such beloved cocktails as 'The Martini,' 'The Americano,' 'The Negroni,' and 'The Grand Manhattan.' A fortified wine enriched with botanicals, vermouth is also delicious on its own or on the rocks.
Today, we're taking a look at Bodegas Lustau's Vermut Rojo, a sweet vermouth produced from a mix of amontillado and Pedro Ximenez sherries. We'll be providing you with an overview of the vermouth itself, as well as tasting and aromatic notes, before discussing the best way to enjoy this spirit.
Now, without further introduction, let's get to it.
Vermouth Lustau Rojo Overview
Quick Facts
Sherry House: The Vermut Rojo is produced by Bodegas Lustau, which is a highly esteemed sherry house based in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Dating back to 1896, Lustau has become a benchmark for top-quality sherry, thanks to its commitment to balancing innovation with traditional sherry and vermouth-making methods.
Wine Blend: The Vermut Rojo is crafted from a sherry-based blend of Amontillado and Pedro Ximenez sherries, both aged ten years.
Botanicals: This vermouth is crafted from a blend of aromatic herbs, including sage, gentian, coriander, wormwood, and orange peel.
Process: This vermouth is crafted using the traditional Jerez "Solera y Criaderas" system, which adds to its depth of flavor and aromatic complexity.
ABV: 15% alcohol by volume.
Price: About $22
History and Background
- Foundation: Lustau's story dates back nearly 200 years to Jerez, Spain. There, one Jose Ruiz Berdejo produced wines on his estate, which he sold to local sherry producers - a business model known as "almacenista." His wines - and the sherries produced from them - must have been decent because five decades later he would 'not' be selling them anymore. Let me explain.
- Export: In the 1940s and 50s, the Ruiz-Berdejo family realized it was time to shift gears, and stopped supplying local sherry makers, and instead began commercializing their own brands, and exporting their wines and vermouth.
- Prestige: Decades later, with Rafael Balao at the helm, Lustau became a major innovator in Jerez, introducing new lines of sherry, which he packaged in a distinctive new bottle shape that would come to characterize their vermouth.
- Expansion: The reputation Lustau had garnered for itself was such that in 1990, the brand was acquired by the Luis Caballero family, which provided capital for further expansion of the company.
- Awards and Recognition: Since then, Bodegas Lustau has been on the receiving end of numerous awards for their wines, brandies, and vermouth. In 2011, they were named Best Spanish Winery, Best Sherry Winery in 2014, and won the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2016. Their vermouth, in particular, has earned prestigious recognition, ranking first among more than 700 brands in a 2021 competition.
Aromatic and Tasting Notes
On the Nose
Right from the start, the vermouth introduces itself with a bouquet of ripe red sweet fruits and dried herbs, with rosemary and sage front and center. Deeper into the glass, on second whiff, there are hints of citrus and dried fruit notes, layered with smoky essences and what I'll describe as mixed nuts. Very pleasant.
On the Palate
For me, this is where the vermouth truly shines. Rich and velvety, with an almost sticky quality, there's caramel and toffee, mixed with dried apricot, carried on a lush sweetness that's balanced perfectly against the herbal bitterness from the botanicals. Excellent.
Finish
Balance is the word that comes to mind, with a very nutty aftertaste.
Serving Suggestions
I'm not going to overcomplicate things here. Enjoy this vermouth either on its own, or mixed into cocktails.
- On Its Own: Neat, or perhaps over ice with an orange slice and olive.
- Cocktails: Naturally, cocktails like the Manhattan, Negroni, the Martini, and the Americano are all go-to vermouth cocktails, and this particular vermouth would serve admirably in any of them.
Vermouth Score and Verdict
The Score
I'll give this particular vermouth a solid 93. The aromatics are instantly and pleasantly complex, with a nice, layered structure. Meanwhile, the palate is simply a joy - with its silky, structured mouthfeel and delicious flavor profile. All of these qualities are heightened by the very accessible pricing, giving this bottle a stellar price-to-quality value.
Who is the Vermut Rojo for?
Three groups. Vermouth connoisseurs, cocktail enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a good aperitif. Lustau's vermouth stands out due to its sherry base, while most vermouth is wine-based. The use of aged amontillado and Pedro Ximenez sherries gives this vermouth layered complexity and depth that really lets it stand out from the crowd. This makes it ideal for vermouth connoisseurs, while giving it an edge for those looking to either upgrade their favorite cocktails or anyone in the market for their next favorite aperitif. The accessible price point helps make it accessible to all three of these audiences.
Where to Buy
As of this review, the Lustau Rojo is available via most major spirit outlets, such as Total Wine.
And that's our review of the Lustau Vermut Rojo. If you enjoyed this review, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!
Cheers!
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