NV Martellotto Semi-Secco Bianco Vermouth – Martellotto Winery New Release

Martellotto Winery, in Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara County, releases a new NV Martellotto Semi-Secco Bianco Vermouth. Not every winery offers something so unique. This ideal aperitif wine awakens your senses just as the Brazilian-commissioned label dazzles your eye with the beautiful floral design.

“This is my second release of this wine,” says Greg Martellotto. “My first foray into the growing Vermouth category was in 2018. The base wine of both is a late harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Happy Canyon and Chardonnay from a single vineyard in Santa Maria. Then I add a proprietary blend of botanicals in high-proof grape distilled spirit. It’s really refreshing and delicious.”

Vermouth is defined as a red or white fortified wine infused with aromatic botanicals. Popular in France, Spain and Italy, it is also used in cocktails. Not well-known in the U.S. as an aperitif or digestif, mixologists use it primarily as a cocktail mixer, especially in Martinis.

Martellotto’s vermouth has no added sugar, includes over 20 botanical ingredients and features mandarin peel as an additional flavor and aroma component. The alcohol is 19%. Refrigerate up to 3 months after opening.

The wine is Semi-Secco which means half-dry. Since Vermouth ranges from dry to sweet, this one sits in the middle of the range.

Aromas express toasted bitter almond, sherry-like flor, vanilla, a touch of sweetness, and candied mandarin orange peel. The flavor on the palate is refreshing with a hint of vanilla, some nuttiness, a subtle bitterness, with a viscous mouthfeel.

Serving suggestions include: