Guerin Rouge Dry Vermouth (75cl)

Guerin Rouge is a dry red vermouth from the Charentes in south-west France, made by Société Puy Gaudin, the family behind the post-war rise of Pineau des Charentes. It was created after bartenders asked for a less sweet, easier-to-mix vermouth. The base is Merlot and Cabernet wine with red Pineau des Charentes, infused with angelica root, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg and bitter orange peel. It is aged for several months in Cognac casks, and its sweetness comes from the grapes alone, with no sugar added. The nose is floral and fruity, with lily, raspberry, saffron and light caramel. The palate is fresh, with delicate grape sweetness, spearmint and a hint of cherry compote, over a whisper of oak. The finish is drying and puckery.