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Vermutpedia

Rojo

Madrid

Red · Artisan · Medium-sweet

Vermut Casa Alberto

Casa Alberto

Madrid , España

No score

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Overall impression

Vermut Casa Alberto is the red vermouth of Casa Alberto tavern (Calle de las Huertas 18, Barrio de las Letras, Madrid), open since 1827 on the site where Cervantes lived. A historic reference of Madrid draught vermouth — also bottled at 75 cl — made from Zalema white wine macerated with wormwood, gentian, cardamom, dittany and citrus peels, according to distribution sheets and gastronomic press (Expansión / Monti). 15% vol.; sugars about 9.8 g/100 ml per Picuezo nutrition sheet. Indicative price about €13.50 at vermutcasaalberto.es (also packs and 3 L tap pack; a separate 12-month aged version exists). For Vermutpedia, it synthesises castizo century-old tavern vermouth: Zalema, classic botanicals and the draught ritual in literary Madrid.

Nose and palate

Pending evaluation.

How to serve it

As in the tavern: very cold, from tap or bottle, in a classic glass with an olive, as aperitif before Madrid cooking. Pairs with ham, broken eggs, tripe and Casa Alberto tapas. Also neat with ice and orange at home. Cool temperature to lift herbs and acidity; not forced premium cocktail vermouth but sobremesa and bar ritual.

Production context

Casa Alberto (1827), Calle de las Huertas 18, 28012 Madrid. Process documented by distributors: Zalema white base wine (neutral, elegant bitter finish); maceration of selected herbs and plants with periodic stirring; filtration to a crystalline caramelised tone. Cited botanicals: wormwood, gentian, cardamom, dittany and citrus peels. 15% vol., 75 cl; Picuezo sheet ingredients include wine, sugars, ethyl alcohol, aromas, colouring E-150d and sulphites. Distinct from the same house's Vermut Casa Alberto Envejecido 12 months. For Vermutpedia, Vermut Casa Alberto synthesises Madrid semisweet draught red: Zalema, 15% vol., historic tavern and sales at vermutcasaalberto.es.

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