My love of vermouth stems from a passion for a good Negroni, in which I like to use anything but Martini. A good quality sweet vermouth is, in my opinion, far more important than the quality of the gin when paired in equal parts with Campari for a Negroni.
I’m always on the lookout for good vermouths and this one from Douro producer Poças, a highly-respected name in Port with some excellent table wines in their portfolio to boot, caught my eye in Apolónia (€15.99).
This is clearly not a red vermouth, but rather a wine made from dry white port infused with herbs and fruits from the producer’s Douro estate. It is medium dry; around half the sweetness you would expect from typical vermouth and quite unlike anything I have tried before.
On the nose, there are hints of orange peel and wild herbs such as rosemary. Chilled and served straight, it makes for a very pleasant aperitif, elevated with a slice of orange peel when served over ice. Or for something dryer and fresher with more of a kick, try it mixed in equal parts with gin.
