Vermouth has become a ritual in the Valencian Community: the perfect moment for a good tardeo among friends. Our land is experiencing an authentic golden age of vermouth, with artisan wineries that champion grapes and Mediterranean herbs. We have selected some of the best Valencian vermouths, with a discovery that stands out above the rest.
Calla i Beu Roig (Cup de la Muntanya · Planes, El Comtat). This is the star of this selection. It is artisanally produced by Cup de la Muntanya, a family winery in Planes specializing in natural mountain wines, in the heart of El Comtat. Calla i Beu is a red and semi-sweet vermouth, built on their own natural wines and macerated with Mediterranean botanicals and orange peel, with a fresh profile and great personality that has earned it a notable 9.1 in Vermutpedia. A local gem that captures the essence of a Valencian tardeo like no other.
4 Xavos (Bodegas Alonso Sanz · Aielo de Malferit). A classic from Vall d'Albaida made with a century-old family recipe: Garnacha wine macerated with 21 organic wild herbs from the Serra de Mariola, highlighting wormwood, eucalyptus, and calamint. Fresh, herbal, and awarded at PROAVA.
Carmeleta (L'Alqueria de la Comtessa · la Safor). A modern author's vermouth that focuses on Valencian orange and orange blossom, based on wines from the Benicadell area. Sweet with a persistent bitter finish; it achieved 91 points in the Guía Peñín.
Ciento Volando (Bodegas Urbanas · Godella). From l'Horta Nord, a light and contemporary offering with a unique selling point: it is 100% organic and vegan, with organic bitter orange among its botanicals.
Luis XIV (Toneles Centenarios · la Canyada). Perhaps the most unique: a blend of Macabeo and Monastrell aged in century-old Fondillón barrels, with wormwood, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Mahogany in color with a long finish, it boasts 94 points in the Guía Peñín.
Xaloneret (Bodegas Xaló · Xaló). From the cradle of Moscatel, a vermouth made with native Alexandria Moscatel and up to 80 botanicals, aged for five months in barrels. Aromas of almond blossom, honey, and orange peel, and several competition gold medals (CINVE, PROAVA).
Distinguit (Bodega Teulada · Teulada). A Moscatel vermouth from Marina Alta that has seen barrel aging, macerated with local herbs such as wormwood and rosemary. Sweet without being cloying, with a spicy nutmeg nose and a silky finish.
Jarabe de Palo (Bodegas Antonio Llobell · Teulada-Moraira). The most innovative on the list: a 100% Alexandria Moscatel vermouth that is the first with oak maceration inside the bottle, as the cork incorporates a piece of French oak that continuously infuses it. Notes of toasted wood on a sweet and fresh palate.
All these vermouths demonstrate the richness of Valencian vermouth culture, from the Moscatel of Marina Alta to the Garnacha of Vall d'Albaida. But if you are looking for an artisan, natural, and local option, Calla i Beu Roig from Cup de la Muntanya is undoubtedly the one that best captures the Mediterranean spirit of a good tardeo. An creation worth discovering directly at the winery.
