Camins a la Creu de Pedra

Overall impression

Camins a la Creu de Pedra is the more rested, complex reinterpretation of Creu de Pedra's spirit: the balance of sweetness and bitterness reaches its fullest Mediterranean expression here. It starts from a different wine base —Alicante Monastrell and young Macabeo, with contributions from solera wines aged in Monovero casks— and botanicals of wormwood, sage, clove and orange. It keeps Fincal's artisan maceration but with a more elegant, unhurried character. Grand Gold in the vermouth category at the AEPEV Press Wine Competition 2025 and gold at Ver-Art-Es Awards 2026, competing with premium references from the national scene.

Nose and palate

Deep amber with a golden layer and dense tears that announce extract. The nose opens balsamic: old wood varnish, candied orange, nutmeg and Mediterranean herbs —sage, wormwood— in a more rested register than Creu; ripe red fruit and a solera breath reminiscent of a century-old cask emerge in the background. Ground black pepper and clove intertwine with a halo of dark honey; aromatic complexity without baroque excess.

An almost honeyed attack that evolves on the palate toward spice and ripe fruit: the Monastrell-Macabeo blend with solera wines adds layers of oak and controlled oxidation. Soft entry, wide passage and unctuous texture; acidity balances residual sweetness and avoids heavy density. Wormwood bitterness appears integrated, more sage and pepper in the finish than sharp bitter herb. Very long, honeyed and balsamic finish, with echoes of dried orange and toasted wood that persist for several seconds. A village author vermouth with competition credentials and a premium profile that justifies the step up from its entry-level sibling.

How to serve it

Neat, on ice or well chilled; ideal for leisurely aperitifs or closing a good conversation. 50 cl bottle.

Production context

Made by Bodegas Fincal (Villajoyosa, Alicante) as a natural evolution of Creu de Pedra. 15% vol., 50 cl bottle. Joint project with Especialitats Lloret.