Stacole Craft Spirits Book

Vermouth / Aromatized Wine

BALSAM USA, NEW YORK White Magnolia Aperitif Wine 38Pf #222097 / 750ml / $24.99 / 2 COP

BYRRH FRANCE Grand Quinquina Aperitif Wine #655260 / 750ml / $15.33 / 2 COP

Aperitif wines have been the original bottled wine cocktail for over two centuries. This magnolia blossom and elderflower scented Cayuga Blanc aperitif wine comes in at 19% ABV. Enjoy it with soda and a lemon wheel, frozen in a margarita or in a 50/50 Martini with vodka, gin, Applejack or Tequila.

Fortified wine, produced since 1873 in the small French town of Thuir. Byrrh is created by macerating South America Quinquina, coffee, bitter orange, colombo and cocoa in Muscat Mistelles, then matured in oak casks. The fruit-forward wine lends natural sweetness, so no additional sugar is needed, and also provides Byrrh with its refreshing balance of fruit and spice. Byrrh is a bit softer than vermouth with heavy wine flavors and just a mild quinine flavor to add bitterness. Traditionally served as an aperitif, chilled with a slice of lemon. 18% ABV. 5+ Stars Difford’s Guide

BONAL FRANCE Gentiane Quina Aperitif Wine #677474 / 750ml / $14.67 / 2 COP

Made close to the French alps in St. Laurent du Pont, this is a fortified wine infused with gentian, cinchona and other herbs to a recipe created in 1865. Bittersweet with green grapes, prune, figs, plump sultana, liquorice and citrus with gentian and quinine bitterness. Neat, with a twist; or enhance drinks in place of sweet red vermouth. 5+ Stars Difford’s Guide.

CONTRATTO ITALY, LOMBARDY/PIEDMONT Americano Rosso NV #416691 / 750ml / $24.67 / 2 COP Americano is another version of a vermouth and is also

based on white wine. Just like the Vermouth, Americano draws from much the same pool of botanicals, and their classification or style is a question of the intent behind the proprietary formulation. Contratto’s Americano production

BROVO USA WASHINGTON Sweet Vermouth “Jammy” #255047 / 750ml / $17.99 / 2 COP

Merlot-based vermouth with the addition of cherries, hibiscus, ginger, tellicherry peppercorns, coriander seed, orange peel, lemon peel, cacao nibs, and decaf coffee beans. Sweetened to 10% sugar with agave nectar. There’s a dryness to the finish, uncommon in a sweet red vermouth. Holds up to rye.. 96pts/Platinum Medal 2014 Beverage Testing Institute Rosé Vermouth “Pink” #922442 / 750ml / $17.99 / 2 COP Delicious rosé vermouth that starts with the Pinot Noir grape. Hearty and balanced with fall flavors, Pink is combined with orange peel, hibiscus, chamomile, sage, tarragon, pink peppercorn, grains of paradise, juniper berry, and rose geranium. It is sweetened with agave nectar to about 6% sugar. Sippable and mixes well. 93pts/Best Buy Beverage Testing Institute Floral Vermouth “Pretty” #258622 / 750ml / $17.99 / 2 COP Our version of a Blanc vermouth. Pinot Gris wine from the Wahluke Slope, with the addition of vanilla bean, cardamom, elderflower, chamomile, lemon peel, comfrey, and angelica. Sweetened to 6% sugar with agave nectar. Best in Category 2015 American Distilling Institute Dry Vermouth “Witty” #792767 / 750ml / $17.33 / 2 COP Made with Washington State Sauvignon Blanc, this is light gold and slightly cloudy. The bouquet offers zesty herb and a hint of jalapeño layered with cinnamon. The tangy palate has fleeting pineapple and citrus flavors, finishing herbaceous and relatively dry. Try it in a martini. 90pts/Best Buy Wine Enthusiast

follows the traditional method of cold flavor extraction (maceration). Italian Brandy is poured over the herb and spice combination at cold temperature. Vermouth Bianco #218374 / 750ml / $21.99 / 2 COP

Resurrecting the original recipe from the early 19th century, Contratto uses the indigenous white grape Cortese as the base wine. Infused with 30 to 50 organic premium natural herbs, spices, roots and seeds and fortified with Italian brandy creates a sophisticated elixir that is complex, fresh, exciting and well balanced. “Wonderful sweet citrus flavor – grapefruit with a touch of orange. This vermouth is so good, you should try it on the rocks at the start of a nice fish dinner.” —Simple Cocktails.com Vermouth Rosso #843500 / 750ml / $21.99 / 2 COP “It makes an amazing Manhattan, and yes, this one is also good enough to drink on its own. Try it neat with your dessert in the place of port.” —Simple Cocktails.com

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