Baldoria Umami Dry Vermouth (75cl, 18%)

Baldoria Umami is a dry vermouth from Piedmont, made by Ernest Spirits in Boves. It starts from a Chardonnay wine base and is infused with porcini mushrooms, kombu seaweed and rice koji, giving it a savoury profile rather than a floral or citrus one. Botanicals are macerated separately, some in grain neutral spirit and water and others directly in wine. Rice koji replaces sugar as the balancing element. The nose is herbaceous, with thyme, rosemary and sage over citrus peel and white pepper. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, with sun-dried tomato, capers and green olive and a gentle salinity. The finish is moderately long, with wormwood bitterness and earthy porcini.