By Stefanie Collins, editor Bars&Clubs
Inspired by creator of the kitchen garden of Versailles and Botanist for the King Louis XIV, Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinye, La Quintinye Vermouth Royal created with Pineau des Charentes from the region of Charente, France.
Distributed in Australia by HMH Beverages, La Quintinye Vermouth Royal features a hand-selected collection of bittering botanicals, to complement the fullness of the Pineau des Charentes – a blend of grape juice harvested in the Charente region and Cognac.
The range includes Rouge, Blanc and Extra-dry, with all three featuring botanicals including Artemisia, angelica, cardamom, cinchona, citrus aurentium, and orris root. The Rouge is made from Pineau des Charentes Rouge, which produces its naturally rich amber colour, and has 28 botanicals. The Extra-dry contains 27 botanicals and Pineau des Charentes Blanc, while the Blanc uses 18 botanicals along with Pineau des Charentes Blanc.
Each bottle bears the portrait of Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinye, with his magnificent gardens in the background.
Suggested serves for the vermouths include the aperitifs such as Rouge with a splash of tonic and garnished with an orange twist or in a Negroni. While the Extra Dry the Blanc make for excellent Dry Martini or Vesper Martini respectively.