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Vermutpedia

Rojo

Fuenlabrada

Red · Medium-sweet

Zarro Especial Taberna Rojo

Bodegas Sanviver

Fuenlabrada , España

6.8 /10

Vermutpedia Score: 6.8/10

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Overall impression

Zarro Especial Taberna Rojo is the taberna interpretation of Bodegas Sanviver's classic red (Fuenlabrada, Madrid), vermouth maker since 1968 and reference of 'Vermut de Madrid'. According to elvermutdemadrid.com, it is the vermouth of always, made the traditional way to enjoy the flavour of a whole classic, presented in a limited-edition vintage bottle that will delight collectors and tap-vermouth lovers. The house defines it as its most traditional vermouth: genuine, nostalgic and built for home or the usual bar. Maceration of a secret herb blend in oak barrels with Madrid wine as base. 15% vol., 75 cl. For Vermutpedia, it represents bottled Madrid taberna red: fleshy, herbal and very much of the bar, sibling of Especial Taberna Blanco and an accessible tier against Reserva or Gran Reserva in the Zarro range.

Nose and palate

Distribution sheets and elvermutdemadrid.com describe mahogany or orange-ochre colour, depending on source, with a pronounced aroma of aromatic herbs, spices and citrus notes; some add vanilla and wood from oak maceration. On the palate it is intense, fleshy and enveloping: it begins soft according to official distributors, followed by the characteristic bitter touch of wormwood and quinine, with a long, persistent finish. Balanced, easy to drink and not cloying according to the brand's international presentation. Semisweet sweetness stays integrated with traditional Madrid tap-vermouth bitterness. Compared with Zarro Reserva —eight months in barrel, more balsamic profile—, Especial Taberna bets on the vintage bottle and classic taberna flavour without declared longer ageing. Unctuous texture, 15% vol., very identifiable semisweet register on castizo bar. A red for those seeking the Zarro of always in emotional, collectible format.

How to serve it

Zarro recommends Especial Taberna to enjoy at home or at the usual bar, with the versatility that allows different combinations though the house notes it pairs perfectly with typical Madrid tapas. Serve between 8 and 10 °C according to distributors, or very cold with ice, orange and olive in the castizo aperitivo ritual. In a wide glass or low tumbler; orange enhances the citrus and olive balances the sweetness. Pairs with ibéricos, cured cheeses, stews, pickles and from aperitivo to dessert according to commercial sheets. Also works in Negroni or Manhattan with Madrid profile when semisweet taberna red is wanted. For collectors, the 75 cl vintage bottle adds value beyond consumption. It does not replace tap Zarro in litres or bag in box: it is its bottled version with the same philosophy. Coherent with 'vivir Zarro, sentir Madrid' and the Especial Taberna range.

Production context

Bodegas Sanviver S.L. makes Zarro Especial Taberna Rojo in Fuenlabrada (Madrid): selected Madrid wines, traditional maceration of a secret blend of aromatic herbs in American oak barrels, artisan production with modern technology. 15% vol.; 75 cl limited-edition vintage bottle. The Zarro range includes white, red, reserva, gran reserva, organic and Especial Taberna (white and red). Bodegas Sanviver —4,000 m², more than five million litres a year— exports to more than thirty countries. For Vermutpedia, Especial Taberna Rojo synthesises Madrid taberna vermouth: secret herbs, American oak, vintage bottle and castizo tradition documented at elvermutdemadrid.com/botellas/vermut-especial-taberna/.

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