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Vermutpedia

Rojo

El Morell

Red · Medium-sweet

Yzaguirre Clásico Rojo

Yzaguirre

El Morell , España

6.6 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 6.6/10

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Overall impression

Yzaguirre Clásico Rojo is the entry point to a Tarragona bodega with roots in 1884. It does not compete with author vermouths in botanical intensity, but fulfils its role perfectly: bar vermouth, reliable aperitif and litre format for sharing. All production takes place in El Morell following the Italian Alpine method the family adopted more than a century ago, with a proprietary formula of around 80 herbs and spices the house keeps secret.

Nose and palate

Mahogany colour with orange flashes, as the bodega describes. Intense nose of aromatic herbs and spices, with slight balsamic touches that add structure without becoming heavy. On the palate aromatic intensity balances well with the acidity of the base wine; the aftertaste is long, slightly bitter and intense — the classic Yzaguirre profile many drinkers recognise at the first sip.

How to serve it

The bodega itself recommends serving it very cold with two anchovy-stuffed olives, ice and an orange slice. Works equally well in vermouth with soda or as an accessible base for a home Negroni.

Production context

Botanical extract is obtained by heating the herb blend in a double-walled cauldron for 14 hours, followed by two months' cold maceration in the classic range. Base wine is combined with extract, sugar and alcohol; caramel is added to the red for mahogany tone. Classics rest 4–5 weeks in stainless steel before bottling (Reserva passes through barrel). 15% vol., 1-litre bottle.

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