This post has been sponsored by Bodegas Lustau. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.
Bodegas Lustau's Vermut Blanco aims to strike a balance between sweet, floral, and herbal notes. Does it achieve this balance? And if so, how is it best enjoyed? Those are the questions we'll be answering for you below.
In this article, 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 Blanco Overview
Quick Facts
Sherry House: The Vermut Blanco 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, courtesy of its commitment to balancing innovation with traditional sherry and vermouth-making methods.
Wine Blend: The Vermut Blanco is crafted from a blend of two sherries - Fino and Moscatel, both produced in the Jerez region of Spain. Palomino grapes are used to create Fino Sherry, providing a dry, crisp, and mineral-forward foundation for the vermouth - along with some nutty notes (more on that below). The Moscatel sherry - as the name implies - is produced from Moscatel grapes, providing fruity sweetness and floral notes, helping to balance the dryness from the Fino.
Botanicals: This vermouth features a mix of nine aromatic herbs, including wormwood, chamomile, gentian, orange peel, rosemary, and marjoram.
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 $26.
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
Off the top of the glass, there are floral and grassy aromas, with a hint of something citrusy on the second whiff. Lingering a moment longer on the nose, the vermouth becomes bright with citrus and just a hint of minerality.
On the Palate
On the palate, the texture is best described as velvety. The citrus carries over quite nicely from the aromatics, with an intense acidity. The minerality lends a note of sophistication that I really enjoyed. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Finish
The finish is very lasting, with nutty and herbal flavors.
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: This particular vermouth would be great in something simple like a Vermouth and Tonic. A simple martini or a bamboo cocktail would also be delicious.
Vermouth Score and Verdict
The Score
I'll give this particular vermouth a respectable 95. The aromatics are pleasant and refreshing, while the mouthfeel is simply superb. The finish is lasting and delicious, without overstaying its welcome. The palate is sophisticated, yet approachable, and refreshing. Couple with accessible pricing, and this vermouth is simply a joy.
Who is the Vermut Blanco for?
Vermouth enthusiasts who appreciate a sophisticated aperitif.
Where to Buy
As of this review, the Lustau Blanco is available via most major spirit outlets, such as Total Wine.
And that's our review of the Lustau Vermut Blanco. 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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