Valdespino Vermouth Herencia

Valdespino is one of the oldest and very few family-owned bodegas in Jerez with a history of Sherry production going back six centuries. Alfonso Valdespino was one of 24 knights who fought for the city of Jerez with King Alfonso X, against the Arabs in 1264. As a reward for his efforts he was given land in the Jerez region. Today Valdespino belongs to the Estevez family, and they own 750 hectares of their own vineyards in Jerez, which is rare in this region, and allows them close control over grape quality. Their Pago Macharnudo vineyard provides the grapes for their single vineyard wines, which include the Fino 'Inocente', the 'Amontillado 'Tio Diego' and the Palo Cortado 'Viejo CP', and they are one of the only bodegas currently producing single vineyard sherries. Valdespino are also renowned for their VOS (Very Old Sherries) with over 20 years of ageing and VORS (Very Old Rare Sherries), with over 30 years of ageing.

Production

The Palomino and Moscatel grapes are sourced from vineyards in Jerez. The white 'albariza' soil comes from a layer of earth rich in marine fossils. It is soft when wet and absorbs rain like a sponge, and when it dries out it forms a layer that retains the water, preventing evaporation. This reserve of moisture encourages the vines to root deep into the ground, allowing them to use this water reserve when needed.

Valdespino have produced aperitif wines since the late 19th century. Their original recipes, known as ‘Tonics for the Sick’, were a blend of sherries macerated with botanicals, fruit and bitter root extracts. In the late 1990s, the Estévez family discovered casks containing these aperitifs and continued to produce small batches for their private collection. The team have since recovered old recipes and revived the original Art Deco labels. They are the only house to produce a vermouth based on Very Old Oloroso Wines from the bodega’s founding soleras, which provide excellent richness and complexity. The Vermouth is a blend of Very Old Oloroso from the Don Gonzalo solera (aged for an average of 20 years) and Moscatel, which contributes a refreshing citrus lift. The Oloroso sherry and Moscatel underwent a hydroalcoholic maceration with bitter extracts of mugwort, coriander, elderberry and gentian, as well as chamomile, cloves, cinnamon, dried oranges and juniper berries. The final blend was then aged in old Oloroso barrels prior to bottling for additional complexity.

Tasting Notes

Bright mahogany colour with coppery tones. The nose displays intense spicy aromas with hints of hazelnut, orange peel and wild herbs. There is a wonderful bittersweet tension on the palate, coupled with silky texture and vivid concentration. Serve in a tumbler glass, with ice and a slice of grapefruit or orange.