Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth (15%)

An Italian sweet vermouth from Piedmont, produced continuously since 1863 by Martini & Rossi in Pessione. It is made from a white wine base, primarily Trebbiano from Emilia Romagna and Cataratto from Sicily, fortified and infused with a selection from over 40 botanicals, including Artemisia grown near Pessione. Caramel gives the vermouth its deep cola-red colour, and sugar balances the bitterness of the herbal extracts. The nose opens with balsamic and dark fruit, then dried herbs, ginger, tobacco leaf, bay leaf and dried citrus peel. The palate is supple and sweet, with a winey, almost sherry-like quality, candied orange, star anise, quinine bitterness and cinnamon-nutmeg spice. The finish is moderately short, with oak, black pepper, lingering herbal spice and a touch of raisin sweetness.