Scruffy, Red Vermouth 500ml

Red Vermouth

The starting point and foundation of this vermouth is a 50/50 blend of still red wine (Brachetto 2024) and fortified red wine (Primitivo 2020), both from the fabled Fox Hill Vineyard. The tautly structured yet light and floral Brachetto combines with the warmth and depth of fortified and aged Primitivo to provide an unparalleled level of complexity from the start.

These two components were blended and then fortified up to 18% abv with a dizzying array of high-proof brandy based botanical tinctures, 17 in total, including orange peel, wormwood, gentian, angelica, cinchona bark, rosemary and vanilla. Residual sugar was increased with organic cane sugar for style and balance. Unfined and unfiltered. Minimal effective sulfites were added to base still wine prior to vermouth production.

Bitter. Botanical. Basically always invited. This red vermouth leans bold. Think bright citrus, soft florals, and broody roots coming together in a blend that’s gently spiced and just a little wild around the edges. Expect notes of orange peel, crushed herbs, and that grounding bitter backbone you want when things (and drinks) get complicated.

The scene:

• Can’t wait for the sushi to be ready so you start dipping the chopsticks in soy sauce
• Hosts game night but never plays (too busy making drinks)
• Has strong opinions about bar lighting (it better be so dark, you think I want to see you??)
• Laughs in lowercase
• Brought a candle to book club

Nicole Peltier is the founder of Scruffy Vermouth. The vermouth project was born out of the belief that drinks, like people, are better when they’re a little messy. Nicole makes vermouths that lean into botanical boldness and unapologetic flavor formed from base wines made by Evan Lewandowski. These are thoughtful but unfussy; built for spritzing, sipping, and not taking the chaos of life too seriously.  If it brings people together and tastes good over ice, we’re in. So… pull up a chair and take a seat.