Whether drank straight with olives and citrus peel or as an ingredient in a classic cocktail, Vermouth is one of the world’s most versatile (and delicious) alcoholic beverages. If you’re just diving into the world of aromatized, fortified wine, you’re in luck as the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition has just announced their picks for the four best Vermouth in the world.
The 2020 New York International Spirits Competition featured over 1,200 submissions from 30+ countries across more than 60 categories. This was the 11th year of the competition, which is judged by working trade buyers from the NYC Metro Area, including restaurateurs, sommeliers, retail spirits buyers, distributors. and importers. For the first time ever, this year’s competition was judged remotely.
The annual spirits competition handed out a total of four medals to Vermouth, including one Double Gold, one Gold, one silver, and one bronze.
Here are the four best Vermouth according to the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition:
Casa Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino G.I ROSSO – Double Gold
On the nose, “complex spiced, wood, and root notes open to smooth vanilla, dried fruit (especially, fig) and floral wormwood signature,” according to Cinzano. “On the palate, dried fig opens to spiced (cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon) and wood (roots & barks such as liquorice), rounded with vanilla and Alpine flowers. Mouth-warming, with long bittersweet finish, typical of Piedmont wormwood, and amber resin memories.”
Lo-Fi. Aperitifs Sweet Vermouth – Gold
“Layered with aromas and flavors of rhubarb, cocoa, vanilla, wild cherry bark, and exotic spices. The sweet finish is balanced with hints of oak and a pleasing bitterness from the gentian root and orange oil bitters,” says Lo-Fi.
Casa Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino G.I Extra Dry – Silver
“A delicate Mediterranean herb (mint, sage, oregano, thyme) & citrus peel bouquet, with floral notes (in particular lemon & orange blossoms),” says Cinzano. “Pleasantly rounded by lightly spiced finish, reminiscent of cloves.”
“Fresh, dry, and mouth-warming. Subtle wine notes accompany the Mediterranean herb bouquet on the palate. Long, pleasantly bitter finish complemented with mineral memories.”
Saint Raphael French Vermouth – Bronze
“St Raphaël Classic Amber has a unique soft and refreshing character. Its fragrant aroma comes from subtle flavouring with base white wines. These are perfectly balanced by quinquina and bitter orange peels, vanilla and cocoa. Serve neat, chilled or on the rocks, or in a cocktail, writes Saint Raphael.