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Vermutpedia

Rojo

Vilassar de Mar

Red · Reserve · Medium-sweet

Espinaler Vermut Rojo Reserva

Espinaler

Vilassar de Mar , España

7.2 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 7.2/10

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Overall impression

Espinaler Vermut Rojo Reserva is the summit of the Espinaler vermouth range, a historic Vilassar de Mar (Barcelona) brand tied to Mediterranean aperitif culture. According to the official shop, the secret lies in quality raw materials, the production and maceration process of the base vermouth — more than twenty-five aromatic herbs from a reserved formula — and one year of ageing in old oak barrels. The house classic red, refined in wood, is more intense, woody and gourmet than the young vermouth. Espinaler defines it as essential for special occasions and for lovers of intense flavours in the world of vermouth. Deep amber with burgundy hints, deep legs, 16% vol., 75 cl. Distinct from the limited 125 Aniversario edition, Reserva represents the standard barrel-aged premium expression. For Vermutpedia, it is Catalan barrel vermouth with preserve-and-aperitif DNA: caramel sweetness, wood and a light Mediterranean citrus aftertaste in a format accessible from the house shop.

Nose and palate

The official sheet highlights deep amber with slight burgundy hints and deep legs that anticipate body and density. On the nose, intense caramel sweetness, old oak wood, spices from the maceration — more than twenty-five herbs from the secret formula — and a very light final aftertaste of Mediterranean lemons that brings freshness without dispelling the woody character. On the palate the flavour is intensely caramel-sweet, with ample persistence and silky texture; twelve months in old oak add toasted layers and gourmet notes that distinguish Reserva from the brand's young vermouth. Balance between semisweet sweetness and contained herbal bitterness; 16% vol. supports structure without aggression. Compared with Riojan or Priorat barrel vermouths, Espinaler Reserva bets on a sweet-woody Mediterranean profile, close to the aperitif tradition with preserves. A vermouth for palates that value intensity, wood and integrated caramel sweetness.

How to serve it

Espinaler Reserva is designed for special occasions and those seeking intense, woody flavours. Very cold with two olives and an orange slice is the classic Mediterranean aperitif format; olives dialogue with sweetness and wood, orange brings citrus that enhances the lemon aftertaste. Also works at table with ibérico, aged cheeses and Espinaler's own preserves — pairing coherent with the brand's gourmet philosophy. In cocktails, it can replace standard red vermouth in Negroni or Manhattan when seeking greater density and caramel notes; 16% vol. adds structure. Temperature 6–8 °C; balloon glass or low tumbler, without excess ice that would dilute the woody profile. For slow tasting, a cocktail glass without ice allows appreciation of legs and persistence. Not a fast terrace vermouth: it invites aperitif with preserves and conversation.

Production context

Espinaler makes Vermut Rojo Reserva in Vilassar de Mar (Barcelona), within the Spain-Catalonia origin denomination. Base of red vermouth macerated with more than twenty-five aromatic herbs from a reserved formula; twelve months ageing in old oak barrels. Declared ingredients: white wine, sugar, water, alcohol, botanical extracts, colourant E150d (sulphites), acidifiers and preservatives. 16% vol., 75 cl, legal denomination Vermut reserva rojo. Sold at tienda.espinaler.com as SKU 112075. Distinct from the limited 125 Aniversario edition. The Espinaler brand, a reference in Catalan preserves and aperitif, positions Reserva as the premium expression of its vermouth universe. For Vermutpedia, it synthesises Mediterranean barrel vermouth: old oak, caramel, secret herbs and citrus aftertaste. Sheet verifiable at tienda.espinaler.com.

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