Dolin Vermouth de Chambéry Rouge (75cl, 16%)

Dolin Rouge is a sweet red vermouth made by Maison Dolin in Chambéry, in the Savoie Alps. More than fifty alpine botanicals, including wormwood, gentian, cinchona, hyssop, rhubarb and thyme, are macerated in Ugni Blanc wine, then sweetened with sugar and fortified with grape spirit. The recipe has not changed since 1821, and the Sevez family has run the house since 1905. It is lighter and drier than many sweet vermouths. The nose brings fruit compote, dried cherry, prune, walnut and citrus zest. On the palate come pear, cinnamon, gingerbread, tobacco and herbs with a nutty, sherry-like note, ending light, fresh and dry-herbaceous. It suits an aperitif over ice with a citrus twist, or a Manhattan or Negroni.