The vermouth encyclopedia

Vermutpedia

Rojo

Málaga

Red · Sweet

Vermouth Antakira Original

Bodegas Antakira

Málaga , España

7.7 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 7.7/10

How we calculate the Vermutpedia Score →

Overall impression

Vermouth Antakira Original is the entry reference of Bodegas Antakira in the Málaga vermouth universe: a sweet, vinous proposition built on Moscatel de Alejandría and Pedro Ximénez grown in the Montes de Málaga, at roughly 600 metres on slate soils. According to the official sheet at bodegasantakira.com, old vines — averaging seventy years with yields of just 1,700 kg per hectare — contribute natural minerality and acidity that balance the richness of the must. The winery, in Sierra de Yeguas (Málaga), makes this vermouth from fermented musts of both varieties, without barrel ageing, in contrast with the Artesano sibling (PX only, macerated with botanicals). For Vermutpedia, Antakira Original represents Andalusian mountain vermouth: a sweet, pastry-like profile, a base of historic D.O. Málaga grapes and a high-altitude vineyard narrative that sets the range apart from Italian or Catalan vermouths. 75 cl bottle at 15% vol., conceived as an accessible Mediterranean aperitivo within a two-reference range betting on Málaga identity.

Nose and palate

The official tasting describes a dark mahogany with iodine and amber edges, clean and bright, medium-high intensity. On the nose, caramel, chocolate and liqueur aromas with pastry notes anticipate a generous, comforting profile, coherent with the Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez base from slate vineyards. On the palate, the winery highlights full body, a sweet, flavourful character, good mineral acidity from the Montes de Málaga grapes — that balance between sweetness and freshness that avoids heaviness — and a pleasant, persistent finish. The natural richness of the fermented must shows in the broad texture and persistence of confectionery and liqueur notes. Compared with more bitter Italian red vermouths or with Antakira Artesano itself — more concentrated in PX and botanicals — the Original bets on the direct expression of the Andalusian base wine. A sweet, warm Mediterranean profile that invites informal aperitivo and pairings with preserves, soft aged cheeses and tavern cooking.

How to serve it

Bodegas Antakira recommends Vermouth Original with appetisers, in the Mediterranean pre-meal vermouth ritual. Serve in a wide glass or low tumbler, over ice with an orange slice to highlight the citrus notes that balance the sweetness of PX and Moscatel. Also works in simple mixed drinks: with soda, soft tonic or even in a Málaga spritz with local bitter and sparkling wine. 8–10 °C to preserve mineral acidity without sacrificing unctuousness. Pairs with olives, vinegar-marinated anchovies, semi-aged cheeses, pâtés and Andalusian preserves; the vermouth's pastry aromatics dialogue well with dried fruit and dark chocolate in a sweet-savoury aperitivo. In cocktails, it can substitute Italian red vermouth in Americanos or local Negroni versions when a sweeter, more vinous profile is wanted. For hospitality, Antakira Original brings a narrative of Montes de Málaga, old vines and a Sierra de Yeguas winery that enriches the list against industrial brands.

Production context

Bodegas Antakira makes Vermouth Original in Málaga (Sierra de Yeguas) from Moscatel de Alejandría and Pedro Ximénez of the Montes de Málaga: grapes from old vines planted at 600 m on slate soils, with low yields that concentrate minerality and acidity. The process uses musts from both varieties, with the natural richness of fermentation, transported in 30 kg boxes to preserve fruit integrity. No barrel ageing; 15% vol., 75 cl bottle. Antakira range of two references: Original (Moscatel + PX) and Artesano (PX only with botanicals). The winery documents appetiser pairings and a philosophy of balance between sweetness, acidity and persistence on its website. For Vermutpedia, Antakira Original synthesises Málaga mountain vermouth: D.O. Málaga grapes, a sweet-pastry profile and unbarrelled production as described at bodegasantakira.com/vermouth-antakira-original/.

Discover more

More from Bodegas Antakira

View all (2) →

More from Málaga

Same type and style — Red · Sweet

Country guide

The best Spanish vermouths

More than four hundred Spanish references tasted: the ranking orders the best bottles from each region by Vermutpedia Score, from Reus to the Basque Country.

View España ranking →