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Rojo

Albelda de Iregua

Red · Reserve · Medium-sweet

Vermut San Bernabé Reserva

Licorera Albeldense

Albelda de Iregua , España

6.8 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 6.8/10

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Overall impression

Vermut San Bernabé Reserva is the first commercial reference from Licorera Albeldense, a house in Albelda de Iregua (La Rioja) making vermouth since 1963 according to family recipe. According to the official website, it maintains the tradition of Riojan artisan vermouths: seventy-five per cent fortified white wine, sweetened and macerated with botanics before refinement in oak tinos until bottling. It is the base of the San Bernabé range — alongside Gran Reserva Especial and other expressions — and represents semisweet reserve red of balanced, smooth profile with good acidity. Usual 1 litre format, 15% vol. For Vermutpedia, it is barrel-aged Riojan vermouth with family DNA: candied fruit, wild herbs, sweet spices, dried fruit and citrus after oak passage. Distinct from Catalan or Jerez vermouths, it bets on Albeldense tradition and wood refinement. Classic Riojan aperitif reference since 1963.

Nose and palate

The sheet describes balanced, smooth profile with good acidity. On the nose emerges a bouquet of candied fruit, wild herbs, sweet spices, dried fruit and citrus after oak barrel passage — toasted and woody notes distinguishing Reserva from young vermouth. Botanical maceration adds Riojan herbal complexity; sweetening integrates semisweet sweetness without excess. On the palate it is smooth, round and persistent; acidity balances sweetness and wood. Refinement in oak tinos until bottling adds layers of vanilla, dried fruit and spice. Compared with Catalan or Jerez reserve vermouths, San Bernabé Reserva bets on balanced Riojan profile and litre format for table. Silky texture, 15% vol., finish with citrus and herbs. Acidity maintains freshness despite semisweet sweetness. A red for those seeking family tradition, barrel and gastronomic aperitif in generous bottle.

How to serve it

San Bernabé recommends serving Reserva between 8 and 10 °C, with lemon or grapefruit slice — a format enhancing acidity and barrel citrus. The 1 litre format invites sharing at table and family aperitif, coherent with Riojan tradition. Pairs with pickles, shellfish and smoked fish per the house — combinations dialoguing with candied fruit, herbs and wood. Also works with olives, cured cheeses and charcuterie. In balloon glass or wide tumbler; ice optional to taste, without excess to avoid diluting barrel profile. In cocktails it can substitute standard red vermouth when oak and dried fruit notes are wanted. For slow tasting, cocktail glass without ice allows bouquet appreciation. Also in combination with gin or whisky when Riojan wood vermouth is sought. Not anonymous fast-consumption vermouth: it invites aperitif with conversation and pairing. Coherent with San Bernabé range and Albelda de Iregua winery.

Production context

Licorera Albeldense makes Vermut San Bernabé Reserva in Albelda de Iregua (La Rioja). Family recipe from 1963: seventy-five per cent fortified white wine, sweetened, maceration with botanics; refinement in oak tinos until bottling. 15% vol.; usual format 1 L. First commercial reference of the house; base of San Bernabé range (Gran Reserva Especial Rojo and others). Designation Vermut reserva rojo; semisweet profile. Sold at vermutsanbernabe.com. Riojan artisan vermouth tradition with barrel passage distinguishing Reserva from young vermouth. Licorera Albeldense maintains family recipe since 1963. For Vermutpedia, it synthesises Riojan reserve red: 1963 recipe, oak, candied fruit, wild herbs and litre format. Sheet verifiable at vermutsanbernabe.com.

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