PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Red Fruit
• Smoke
• Spice
• Leather
• Orange

Story

Germany's Saar Valley has a storied, multi-century reputation for the world's finest Riesling. So why not parlay that tradition into crafting some unique German spirits? That's the ethos for Ferdinand's, with this fine distillery project producing an array of charismatic gin, vermouth, liqueurs, and delicious cordials based around local grapes, fruits and botanicals.

Indeed, wine is at the heart of Ferdinand's production, tapping into the famed Riesling of revered Saar winery (and partner in the project) Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken. This estate has been crafting minerally, classically formed Mosel Riesling for three centuries, with the wines still matured in the moselfuder large casks.

You can sense the contrast between traditions and nouveau style in Ferdinand's Dry Vermouth, with its distinct Saar Valley charisma bobbing up from the first sip. That's because the base wine for this sublime aperitif is Riesling grapes from the rough Devonian slate soils of the Saarburger Rausch vineyard, making this one of the world's first single-vineyard Riesling vermouths.

This barrel-aged red vermouth is deliciously spicy with notes of leather, ripe red fruit and orange peel.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

A good red vermouth is a thing of rare and wondrous beauty, and the complex botanical notes in this stunning bottle from Ferdinands made sure it rocketed to the top of our must-share list this month. This delicious release is a great choice for pairing with hearty Mediterranean flavours - we’re talking puttanesca pasta, spaghetti with sardines, and salty ingredients like grilled halloumi or feta and spinach pastries and salads. Sweet and savoury dishes like chicken with pomegranate or jewelled couscous will also work well, and it’s going to be excellent with olives, nuts, and stronger seafood like clams, crab and whelks.

RECIPE MATCHES

• Sardine and Black Olive Spaghetti