Padró & Co. Blanco Reserva Vermouth

Blanco Reserva was born from a simple ambition at the Padró & Co. winery in Bràfim: build a vermouth around the Mediterranean citrus that grows all along the Tarragona coast.

The base is an infusion of aromatic herbs steeped with the peel of several different citrus fruits, left to macerate for months before an aged white mistela — a sweet fortified wine kept back especially for this bottle — is blended in.

Twelve months resting in acacia barrels rounds everything out, leaving a vermouth that's light, citrus-driven, and easy to fall for on a first sip. It's the natural door into the range for anyone who's never tried Spanish vermouth before.

• Nose: Aromatically intense, with memories of sweet herbs such as star anise, lemon verbena, quina and angelica.
• Mouth: A slightly sweet, slightly bitter, refined and well-rounded palate. An elegant and refreshingly zesty finish.

• Grape Variety: Macabeu (Viura)
• Barrel Ageing: 12 months — Acacia
• ABV / Size: 18% ALC./VOL. · 750ml
• Flavour Profile: Sweet-leaning and light-bodied, gently bitter

Well chilled over ice with a slice of lemon. It also takes tonic or soda well.

VEGETARIAN

Breadsticks or flatbreads, salted crisps or nuts, roasted peppers, spinach croquetas, cheese twists, green olives

MEAT

Smoked meats, ham croquetas

FISH

Mild smoked salmon, cockles in brine

SIGNATURE TAPA

Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella and basil

• Mediterranean Cooler — 400ml Blanco Reserva, crushed ice, lime slices, 8 fresh mint leaves, 300ml unoaked Chardonnay, topped with 700ml lemonade or soda water (serves a jug/crowd)
• Bamboo — 30ml Blanco Reserva, 30ml fino sherry, a slice of lemon

• Gold Medal — Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2022
• Gold Medal — Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2018
• Gold Vinari — Best White Vermouth, Vinari Catalan Vermouth Awards 2016 & 2017
• Gold Medal — Singapore Competition 2018
• Gold Medal — International Wine Awards 2017
• 92 points — Peñín Spirits & Cocktails Guide