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Rojo

Sicilia

Red · Medium-sweet

Borbone Vermouth Rosso Sicilia

Borbone

Sicilia , Italia

Re-evaluation pending

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Overall impression

Vermutpedia is re-evaluating the Italian catalogue; the Vermutpedia Score for this entry remains pending until the next tasting round. Borbone Vermouth Rosso Sicilia is the rosso vermouth of Liquori Borbone, a Neapolitan brand that reinterprets southern Italy's vermouth tradition with a narrative linking the Bourbon custom of «periodiche» —social gatherings of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies— with Sicilian viticulture from Marsala and Mazara del Vallo. According to liquoriborbone.it, the vermouth is born as a Sicilian jewel made with Nero d'Avola grapes cultivated between Marsala and Mazara, in a fortified wine that expresses the passion and richness of Sicilian land. Neapolitan inspiration refers to the custom of aromatising white wine and Marsala with walnuts and spices left over from nocino, a ritual that symbolised hospitality at periodic gatherings where imported vermouth replaced homemade rosolio. For Vermutpedia, Borbone Rosso represents Mediterranean Sicilian-Neapolitan vermouth: warmer and sweeter than a typical Torino, with Sicilian field botanicals and historical narrative that differentiates the proposal on the Italian vermouth map. 16% vol., 1 litre bottle.

Nose and palate

The official Liquori Borbone website describes a complete sensory experience. On the nose, the vermouth opens with fresh citrus, aromatic herb and exotic spice notes, accompanied by a delicate sweetness that anticipates the semisweet character of the Sicilian rosso. On the palate, the balance between bitterness, acidity and sweetness wins over the drinker and leaves a long, satisfying finish. Herbs, hand-gathered in the Sicilian countryside, are infused in neutral alcohol to extract their essence; the blend is combined with high-quality base wine, sugar and secret ingredients. Dark red colour and a sweeter, warmer profile than a typical Torino reflect southern Mediterranean tradition: orange, Mediterranean herbs and spices in an enveloping whole. Compared with more bitter Piedmont vermouths, Borbone bets on Sicilian roundness and the Nero d'Avola and Marsala narrative, with a distinctive and surprisingly complex character according to the house.

How to serve it

Liquori Borbone recommends Vermouth Rosso as a solo aperitivo, where its balance between bitterness, acidity and sweetness expresses with clarity. It is also an ideal protagonist in sophisticated classic and contemporary cocktails, adding a touch of Sicilian elegance to each creation. Serve in a wide glass or low tumbler with ice, at 8–10 °C, with an orange or lemon slice to enhance the profile's citrus notes. Works in Sicilian spritz, with soda or in local combinations such as «Conte a Procida» —a Negroni revision with Corricella gin, Borbone vermouth and bitter— that the brand promotes at international fairs. Pairs with island aperitivos, preserves, olives and semi-cured cheeses; spiced warmth dialogues with Mediterranean cuisine and almond sweets. For Vermutpedia, Borbone Rosso is the option for those seeking a southern Italian rosso with Neapolitan history and semisweet profile in aperitivo and cocktail bars.

Production context

Liquori Borbone makes Vermouth Rosso with Nero d'Avola grapes from Marsala and Mazara del Vallo (Sicily), infusing aromatic herbs, spices and local roots hand-gathered in the Sicilian countryside. The process combines botanical essence extracted in neutral alcohol with base wine, sugar and secret ingredients, following the Neapolitan tradition of aromatising wine and Marsala with nocino leftovers. 16% vol.; Sicilian fortified wine character. The brand, distributed by Mercanti di Spirits, connects vermouth with nineteenth-century periodiche culture and the island's viticulture. For Vermutpedia, Borbone Vermouth Rosso Sicilia synthesises southern Italian vermouth: Nero d'Avola, Marsala, Sicilian botanicals and Bourbon narrative documented at liquoriborbone.it/vermouthborbone.

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