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Haro

White · Extra dry

Martínez Lacuesta Vermut Extra Seco

Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta

Haro , España

6.7 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 6.7/10

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Overall impression

Martínez Lacuesta Vermut Extra Seco is the driest wine in the Lacuesta range from Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta in Haro — pioneer of Rioja vermouth since 1937 — and the extra-dry expression of the La Conzia formula with up to twenty-four plants and aromatic herbs macerated in the same barrels where the house wines age. According to martinezlacuesta.com, the dry, bitter finish is in the name, yet it stands out for its floral aroma, softness and long persistence — it lasts as long on the palate as in every moment you want to revisit it. Ideal neat or to give personality to cocktails. Vermouth production since 1937 with an artisan process. 15% vol., 75 cl., contains sulphites. For Vermutpedia, it represents the reference extra-dry Rioja vermouth: floral, persistent and with elegant bitterness, very different from the semisweet Blanco or the caramel Rojo. The Lacuesta range scored 93 points in Wine Enthusiast (2025). A reference for cocktails and dry aperitif with Rioja DNA.

Nose and palate

The official shop describes a vermouth with floral aroma, softness and long persistence despite the extra-dry character in the name. Floral and herbaceous notes on the nose; on the palate, dry with elegant bitterness and persistence that invites prolonging the sip. The Conzia formula — twenty-four botanicals cold-macerated in American-oak barrels — adds complexity without excess sweetness; the softness the winery highlights balances the bitterness of the name. Compared with the Blanco (manzanilla, mint, gentle sweetness) or the Rojo (sweet entry, caramel), the Extra Seco is more direct, drier and more cocktail-oriented. On the palate, clean texture, integrated bitter finish and persistent floral register. A white for those seeking Rioja vermouth that adds personality to a Martini or mixed drinks without cloying. The long persistence distinguishes the Extra Seco from more anonymous dry vermouths. Profile coherent with Lacuesta tradition and the separate vermouth production space from the DOCa Rioja winery.

How to serve it

Martínez Lacuesta recommends the Extra Seco neat or as a personality touch in cocktails; cold in a Rioja Martini or alone with ice and citrus, following aperitif tradition. Serve between 4 and 6 °C in a very cold cocktail glass; a lemon slice or olive complements the floral and bitter profile. In cocktails, it brings Rioja character to dry Martini, white Manhattan or gin variations where extra-dry vermouth with persistence is sought. It does not need soda: the winery designed this profile for aperitif and mixology with identity. For tasting, a glass without ice allows appreciation of the softness despite the name. Pairs with olives, pickles and light tapas. Low temperature enhances floral freshness. Coherent with the Blanco, Rojo, Reserva, Conzia and Edición Limitada range. 75 cl format available in 3-bottle gift box or 6-bottle case in the official shop.

Production context

Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta makes Vermut Extra Seco in Haro (La Rioja), since 1937 with the Conzia formula of up to twenty-four plants on white wine. Maceration in the same American-oak barrels where the wines age; artisan cold-maceration process. 15% vol., 75 cl. The driest in the Lacuesta range; 93 points Wine Enthusiast (2025 range). Range: Blanco, Extra Seco, Rojo, Conzia, Reserva en Roble, Edición Limitada, Reserva Acacia. For Vermutpedia, the Extra Seco synthesises dry Rioja vermouth: Conzia, floral, elegant bitterness, long persistence and tradition since 1937. Sheet verifiable at martinezlacuesta.com.

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