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Vermutpedia

Rojo

Vilassar de Mar

Red · Reserve · Medium-sweet

Espinaler Vermut Rojo Vintage

Espinaler

Vilassar de Mar , España

6.8 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 6.8/10

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Overall impression

Espinaler Vermut Rojo Vintage is the same secret recipe as the house's classic Vermut Rojo — more than twenty-five aromatic herbs on a white wine base — presented in a retro Vintage bottle for collectors, bars with tavern soul and lovers of Vilassar imagery. According to the official shop, it shares organoleptic profile with the contemporary red: not a differently aged edition, but a nostalgic package that evokes vermouth tradition in Vilassar de Mar (Barcelona), a municipality tied to Mediterranean aperitif culture and the Espinaler brand, a reference in preserves and vermouth. Terracotta ruby colour, 15% vol., 75 cl (also 50 cl and 1 L tavern tap). Distinct from Rojo Reserva — twelve months in old oak — and Reserva Especial 125 Aniversario, Vintage represents the young range red in emotional format. The retro bottle evokes neighbourhood bars and Vilassar aesthetics without altering the liquid. For Vermutpedia, it is Catalan tavern vermouth with Espinaler DNA: sweetness on entry, balanced bitter aftertaste and retro aesthetics completing the range alongside Blanco, Rosé, Reserva and the limited edition.

Nose and palate

The official sheet describes terracotta ruby that anticipates a classic Mediterranean red vermouth. On the nose, oregano, mint and caramel emerge — typical botanicals of the reserved formula of more than twenty-five herbs shared with standard Vermut Rojo. Caramel sweetness appears integrated, without excess, while herbs bring herbal freshness and light bitterness. On the palate the entry is sweet and round, with balanced bitter aftertaste that closes the sip cleanly; texture is silky and persistence moderate, identical to the contemporary red according to the house itself. Without barrel passage, the profile is more direct and herbal than woody Reserva; 15% vol. keeps lightness for aperitif. Compared with aged reds, Vintage bets on immediacy and drinkability. Oregano and mint notes recall Mediterranean maceration; caramel brings colour and semisweet sweetness. Moderate but clean persistence, with a refreshing sensation that invites a second sip. A vermouth for those who value the classic Espinaler recipe in a lifelong bar package.

How to serve it

Espinaler Vintage is designed for tavern aperitif: with ice, orange and olive Madrid-style, a format the house recommends and that dialogues with Spanish vermouth tradition. Also works from a one-litre tap in bars wanting vintage aesthetics on draft. Serve very cold, 6–8 °C, in a balloon glass or low tumbler; orange enhances citrus and olive balances sweetness. Pairs with Espinaler preserves, charcuterie, cheeses and classic tapas — coherent with the Vilassar brand's gourmet philosophy. In cocktails it can be used as standard red vermouth in Negroni or Americano when seeking a semisweet Mediterranean profile without barrel notes. The 75 cl retro bottle invites gift or collection; the 1 L tap suits terrace consumption. Can also be served in a small glass without ice to appreciate botanicals in a gastronomic context. No slow tasting required: it is conversation, aperitif and terrace vermouth. The vintage bottle adds emotional value without changing the profile in the glass.

Production context

Espinaler makes Vermut Rojo Vintage in Vilassar de Mar (Barcelona), within the Spain-Catalonia origin denomination. White wine base macerated with more than twenty-five aromatic herbs from a reserved formula; no barrel ageing — unlike Rojo Reserva (twelve months in old oak). 15% vol.; formats 50 cl, 75 cl and 1 L (tap). Same recipe as contemporary Vermut Rojo; the difference is aesthetic and commercial: Vintage bottle to evoke the Vilassar tavern. Completes the range alongside Blanco, Rosé, Rojo Reserva and Reserva Especial 125 Aniversario. The Espinaler brand, historic in Catalan preserves and aperitif, sells Vintage at tienda.espinaler.com. Typical ingredients of Espinaler red vermouth: white wine, sugar, botanical extracts, colourant (sulphites). Vintage shares liquid with standard red; the value proposition is visual and emotional. For Vermutpedia, it synthesises young Espinaler red in retro packaging: secret herbs, terracotta, balanced sweet-bitterness. Sheet verifiable at tienda.espinaler.com.

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