In today's video review, Charles-Philippe reviews Martini & Rossi Rosso, a vermouth that was first released in 1863 and which claims to be the oldest vermouth.
Read The Full Written Review: bespokeunit.com/articles/wine...
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00:00 Introduction
This Sweet Vermouth review was conducted using the Bespoke Unit Liquor Formula, a quantifiable review matrix that you can either use at home for your own drinks, or if you don't have the time to watch the entirety of this video, just look for the link above where you'll find the full written review and a PDF containing a quick overview of the drink and its characteristics.
00:32 Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth Overview
Martini and Rossi Rosso claims to be one of the oldest vermouths on the market. However, there is also Carpano Antica, which is said to use a recipe from 1786.
This Martini Rosso is still produced at the Martini & Rossi Distilleria Nazionale di Spirito di Vino in Turin in Italy. Its base is red wine and it's taken on an amber color likely due to the use of natural caramel. Additionally, Rosso Vermouth also includes botanicals and is said to have 50+ herbs and spices.
There's no advertised age statement though it is supposedly stored in oak casks during the steeping process. resulting in an alcohol by volume content of 14.4%.
01:49 Robe & Appearance
Martini Rosso Vermouth has a slightly dark amber hue that's mostly clear with a bit of haziness probably brought on by the botanicals and caramel. The viscosity is rather syrupy and thick, and it does leave nice scallops in the glass.
I let this Vermouth warm up in the glass from being stored in the fridge. While indeed best served chilled, there is more flavor when the spirit has had a chance to warm up. Aromas include dried fruit, agarwood, slight tobacco, vanilla, and a hint of bay leaf.
03:28 Palate & Mouthfeel
The overall taste is sweet, though it progresses from sweet to bitter with an oily mouthfeel that envelops the entire palate. Towards the end, the taste becomes dry and eucalyptic.
In the opening there is a taste similar to Modena vinegar that is succulent and thick. There's also honey, raisin, and caramel notes. Into the hear, you encounter the spices used in steepening: anise, jola nut, nutmeg, and quinine.
05:34 Overall Experience
In overall complexity, the Martini & Rossi Rosso sweet vermouth is indeed quite complex for a spirit at this price point. While not as complex as other vermouths, it gives a lovely experience from beginning to end.
The flavor is not as rich as you might expect so it can easily become overpowered when used in a cocktail. Rosso is also very harmonious; it stimulates all of the palate and doesn't cause excessive salivation or dryness. Lastly, the length is moderate as it doesn't last very long, though the ending notes of quinine and pepper can linger but the sweetness does not.
06:44 Presentation & Versatility
The Martini & Rossi bottle is indubitably iconic, with its label and green hue. It's stylish though in a classic sense, as if from the '50s or '60s. Over time, it's had some slight redesigns but remains mostly whole.
Rosso Vermouth is a staple in many classic cocktails and is still used today in original and creative ways. Nevertheless, you can drink it neat and it isn't unpleasant. These are countless possibilities, which just goes to show the level of versatility of this beverage.
07:58 Occasion & Value
Martini & Rossi Rosso can be drunk casually but will also fit perfectly into a lavish black-tie affair. It can be drunk almost anywhere without it seeming either too ostentatious or even too casual.
On value for money: in the USA, a 75-liter bottle will cost about $19. In France, I paid only around $8 or $9. Indeed, it is very cheap. It's about the same price in Europe.
08:44 Cocktails & Pairings
Cocktails:
- Negroni
- Manhattan
- Americano
There are so many ways that you could drink this though personally, I quite like drinking it neat as an aperitif.
Food Pairings:
- Salty antipasti such as prosciutto, melon, sweet tomatoes w/ mozzarella, aubergine caviar, and more. Lastly, it could be had as a dessert with ice cream or even a fruit sorbet.
- Nuts such as pistachio.
Cigar Pairings:
- Oliva Connecticut as it has a subdued mouthfeel and greater nuttiness expression.
- Ecuadorian Connecticut
While there are other, more premium vermouths on the market, Martini easily holds its own and has certainly proven itself the most popular.
Already tried Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
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