GG_N49_ESP

SPAIN
TRENDING
ALTANZA, WHEN VERMOUTH
RHYMES WITH RIOJA
AND JEREZ
CARLOS FERREIRO, THE WINEMAKER AT ALTANZA
Located in the heart of Rioja Alta, Bodega Altanza
made a lasting impression on the history of
modern-day Spanish vermouth four years ago
by launching a range of vermouths made from
quality sherries in conjunction with the largest
sherry collector in the world. The releases were
an instant success and the idea has since been
replicated by other wineries.
The company’s Amillo vermouth comes in two
versions made from a selection of sherries,
olorosos and Pedro Jimenez. After blending,
thirty or so aromatic plants, roots and flowers
macerate in them. Slightly more herbaceous with
a trace of sourness, the Reserva Especial matures
for 14 months in French oak casks.
Crafted with the utmost care, both Altanza
labels have established a pedigree for sherry
vermouths. “And that touch of sophistication
is exactly what the younger generations like”,
explains the winery’s Stephanie Abel Guardia.
They show an interest in drinks that require a lot
of attention during the production process and
appreciate the kind of alchemy needed to craft
vermouth. The countless commercially available
mixology kits are a testament to this fascination.
Vermouth now is synonymous with craftsmanship,
rich aromatics and a dash of magic!
IN 2029, BODEGAS ALVEAR WILL CELEBRATE ITS 300TH ANNIVERSARY
BODEGAS ALVEAR,
AN IMPRESSIVE ANDALUSIAN
VERSION
We now head for Andalusia, to the heart of the
Montilla-Moriles appellation area. Founded
in 1729, Alvear is now the region’s oldest, but
also its most highly renowned winery. Down
through the years, it has successfully proven
what a versatile grape Pedro Ximenez – the king
of local grape varieties – can be through a very
varied range of wines, including Fino, Oloroso
and dry white, to name a few.
AUTUMN 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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