Creu de Pedra

Overall impression

Creu de Pedra is the artisan vermouth of La Vila Joiosa, made by Bodegas Fincal in collaboration with Especialitats Lloret. Its name pays homage to the stone cross that marked paths and trails around the town. Moscatel base —in practice, moscatel from the Xaló cooperative— with Mediterranean botanicals bringing citrus, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and wormwood; artemisia adds classic bitterness. Intense, aromatic and full-bodied, with wood and mountain herb notes and a long, pleasant finish. Silver medal at the II International Competition of Artisan Vermouths (Ver-Art-Es Awards 2026); local press highlights its warm reception in bars and specialist shops since launch.

Nose and palate

Mahogany tone with copper highlights, open and generous. Xaló moscatel shows in a sweet layer —ripe white flowers, peach in syrup— over which cracked cinnamon, nutmeg and clove settle without harshness; artemisia and wormwood draw a herbal bitter thread evoking dried herbs of the Marina Baixa. A touch of candied orange peel and rosemary honey round out the Mediterranean character.

It enters the mouth warm and enveloping: moscatel sweetness leads with medium-wide passage and silky texture, while warm spices integrate without aggression. Artemisia brings moderate bitterness, more tavern conversation than wormwood sermon; the base wine's natural acidity keeps the semisweet honest and avoids cloying. Comfortable body, prolonged herbal finish with a citrus echo and a spiced close that invites another glass. An accessible yet distinctive village vermouth, more expressive than many generic reds and with conventional balance for terrace drinking without fuss.

How to serve it

Neat, on ice or well chilled; also in contemporary cocktails. Available in 70 cl and 25 cl formats according to the bodega.

Production context

Bodegas Fincal has operated since 2008 in Villajoyosa (Alicante), combining wine distribution and artisan Mediterranean vermouths. 15% vol. Traditional production with artemisia as a distinctive botanical.