Grapediggaz Vermouth
Origin: Germany / 17% / Price: ca. 27€
It was back in the summer that these two bottles were sent to us by Kirsch Import for testing. Why did it take so long for us to review them? Well, because we tried many, many drinks. Not to make absolutely sure that they are versatile, 2-3 well-chosen drinks are enough for that. No, it was because the white vermouth from GrapeDiggaz in particular is simply so brilliant that we couldn't stop tasting every drink containing Bianco Vermouth with it…
But first, a little basic information about the product: GrapeDiggaz are known to have dedicated themselves to vines and grapes, and their beautiful logo is adorned with a shovel entwined with a vine. So far, the focus has been on Cognac and Armagnac, and we have already discussed part of the core range (Cognac VSOP and Armagnac XO). So now they chose vermouth to be their next product, straight from the Black Forest, like the core of GrapeDiggaz itself. A family business has been found in Kinzigtal (a valley in the Black Forest) that produces both varieties for them. The red vermouth is based on Pinot Noir and the white on Riesling, so we are already starting with an exciting selection as a base. The grapes, the vermouth and most of the other ingredients are of course harvested and processed locally. Only cardamom and cinnamon bark for the red vermouth and orange peel and cloves for the white vermouth obviously cannot be sourced directly from the Black Forest by GrapeDiggaz.
But back to what we actually think of the bottlings: First of all, the Wermut Rot. I really like the very special pomegranate note it has, the association with light oriental notes and the matching spiciness. It is relatively acidic for a red vermouth, fresh and spicy at the same time, and also has a rather elegant, silky body, not the power of some barrel-aged and full-bodied vermouths such as Antica Formula. This makes it great in drinks that work with lighter spirits such as cognac and rums that are not too sweet and powerful, matching the brandy-focused GrapeDiggaz portfolio. It sometimes has problems in powerful drinks with ingredients such as Islay Scotch or overproof spirits. Increasing the proportion slightly often helps with that issue, but not always.
The Wermut Weiss? A very special story for us, to be more precise it is one of the top 3 bar products that appeared in 2023 (articles on the others will of course follow). The intensity on the nose, the mixture of exotic fruits, the clear Riesling note, but also slightly green spice with lemongrass and ginger, which almost make me think of Falernum, unique and aromatic. The same goes for the taste, which is full, intense and yet fresh and invigorating. Personally, I'm not someone who always drinks the same spirit or drink as a “standard” at home, but the Wermut Weiss was really THE drink for us this summer. Pure, simply chilled from the fridge without ice in the snifter glass, with soda or tonic on ice, let alone in all the cocktails, a dream and every other “amateur” taster at home said the same.
You can expect many more drinks in the near future that we have already mixed. Currently, you can find the fantastic Yamabuki and heavier Drunk Uncle online for the white vermouth. For red vermouth, there are of course already a few drinks on our site. Specifically tested with the GrapeDiggaz and found to yield great results: a Negroni twist with Cognac, called the Celebration and the Cherry Mariner for example. The body of the red vermouth fits in very well here, while the white really makes every recipe with Bianco Vermouth in it even better, as was already mentioned at the beginning.
Wermut Weiss (White Vermouth)
Nose:
Wonderfully elegant and fruity nose, the Riesling is immediately noticeable, fresh Mirabelle plums, elderberry, green apple, rose hip, even a hint of white grapefruit and blood orange in the acidity. Some white tea and of course many, delicate grapes round off the whole. When it arrives at room temperature, you can also find light blossom honey and a little sage here and there.
Taste:
A start with delicate blossom honey, lemongrass, rosehip tea, some white grapefruit peel, green apple, some pear, and elder flower in between. Ginger slightly candied, but not really spicy, again the white tea after some seconds, rose water, a hint of mango as in some Riesling wines, flower meadow.
Finish:
Gooseberry, lemon balm, elderberry and grapefruit, as well as fresh grapes and green apple, delicate vanilla
Wermut Rot (Red Vermouth)
Nose:
Pure pomegranate juice, wow! Behind it, a wild mix of berries, blackberries and raspberries, fresh sour cherries. If you give it more time in the glass, and as it approaches room temperature, there are subtle hints of wormwood and some cardamom, but far in the back, even more than the Helmut Vermouth (which I also love). It is the fruitiest, freshest and most vinous red vermouth I have had so far, fresh vanilla and associations of fresh ginger juice flash up at times.
Taste:
Ah, here the berry basket is only alone for a brief moment. Immediately a fine spiciness and herbaceousness arrive too, cardamom, cinchona bark, wormwood herb, not super complex, but all notes stand out clearly and are distinguishable. The fruit is still in the lead, but the herbs and spices are not too far behind and a remarkable beautiful acidity gives a lot of freshness, and notes of plum.
Finish:
Pomegranate juice, orange blossom water, some young plums and cardamom, as well as cinnamon, wormwood, and a hint of lavender
The bottles were provided by Kirsch Import, thanks!
