Valdespino Vermouth
| Take one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez, a solera of old Oloroso and a recipe from the early 1900s. Stir in wormwood, cinchona bark and dried Seville orange. That is Valdespino Vermouth Origen, a Spanish vermouth that tastes more of sherry cellar than apothecary. Pour it over ice with a slice of orange in a tumbler, the way they do it in Andalusia. |
About Valdespino Vermouth
Most vermouths start with a neutral white wine and let the botanicals do the talking. Valdespino flips that around. The wine is the star here: old Oloroso and sweet Moscatel from one of the most respected addresses in Jerez de la Frontera. Herbs and spices come second, as seasoning rather than disguise.
If you just want a proper red vermouth for an aperitif or a Negroni, this is one of the roundest on the shelf. If you are a collector or a sherry geek, it is a rare chance to taste Valdespino's Oloroso soleras in a completely different shape. Vermouth from Jerez, vermut de Jerez, is an old local tradition that nearly vanished and is now finding its feet again. Valdespino is one of the houses keeping it alive, and its sherries are well worth exploring too.
History & Background
The story starts in 1264, when King Alfonso X rewarded the knight Alfonso Valdespino with vineyards for his part in retaking Jerez. The wine trade is documented from 1430, and the company itself was formally founded in 1875. From 1883 Valdespino was an official supplier to the Spanish Royal Household. In 1999 the family had lost interest in the sherry business and the house was bought by Grupo Estévez, who moved around 25,000 casks to a new bodega outside town. It took two and a half years. The vermouth is a recent addition, part of the house's range of aperitifs.
Production & Style
The base is a blend of very old Oloroso and Moscatel, both from the house's own soleras. Wormwood, cinchona bark, gentian, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and dried Seville orange are macerated in the wine. The finished vermouth then rests in casks that previously held Valdespino Oloroso, and that nutty, gently oxidised edge shows up in every sip.
Signature Style
Rich & Fruity · Spicy · Nutty · Bittersweet
The nose is full of orange peel, caramel and a touch of blossom, with a fresh lift of mint. On the palate it is round and sweet from the Moscatel, but cinnamon and clove keep the sweetness in check, while the Oloroso pulls walnuts and dried fruit in behind. The finish is lightly bitter, with something like charred rosemary and a dry herbal note. Balanced without being dull.
Facts
| Producer | Bodegas Valdespino |
| Founded | 1875 (roots back to 1264) |
| Pronounced | Val-des-PEE-no |
| Region | Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia |
| Country | Spain |
| Owner | Grupo Estévez (since 1999) |
| Category | Red Vermouth (Vermut de Jerez) |
| Wine base | Oloroso and Moscatel |
| ABV | 15% |
| Official website | bodegavaldespino.com |
Awards & Recognition
Valdespino has held a Royal Warrant since 1883 and has been named one of the world's top 100 wineries by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Much of that reputation rests on the wines from Macharnudo Alto, often called the Grand Cru of Jerez.
Did You Know?
Valdespino is the last sherry bodega still fermenting its wines in wooden casks rather than steel tanks. And down in the cellar sits Toneles Moscatel, a solera that may be over 100 years old. It is so concentrated that only around 100 bottles are drawn from it each year.
Like Valdespino Vermouth?
Then you might also enjoy Cucielo Vermouth, Vittore Vermouth or Belsazar Vermouth.