Dolin Blanc Sweet Vermouth

Dolin Blanc is a white vermouth from Chambéry in the Savoie region of the French Alps, bottled at 16% ABV. It is made from white wine infused with Alpine herbs and flowers, and the result sits between the drier French styles and the heavier Italian rosso vermouths. It is pale and lightly sweet. Expect floral and fruity notes up front and a gentle herbal finish, with none of the caramel or spice-box weight that darker sweet vermouths carry. The sweetness is soft rather than syrupy, so it reads as rounded, not cloying. Because the style is so delicate, it is easiest to appreciate on its own. Serve it well chilled, either straight from the refrigerator in a small wine glass or over a large cube of ice with a twist of lemon or orange peel. A longer drink also works: pour roughly two ounces over ice and top with soda or tonic for a low-proof aperitif. A slice of cucumber or a few green olives suits it better than the heavier garnishes you would use with a rosso. In cocktails, Dolin Blanc is the usual choice for a Perfect Martini, where it replaces some of the dry vermouth to add a touch of roundness. It is also the traditional base for a Bijou-style or Martinez variation when you want a lighter, more floral result than the standard sweet vermouth gives. It works in a Reverse Martini, with two parts vermouth to one part gin, and it pairs well with lighter spirits such as unaged rum, vodka, and blanco tequila, which would be overwhelmed by a darker vermouth. Gin is the natural partner, since its botanicals pick up the floral and herbal character here. At the table, it suits salty and briny starters such as almonds, olives, cured ham, and mild soft cheeses, as well as shellfish and light fish dishes. Once opened, keep the bottle in the refrigerator with the cap on tight. Vermouth is a fortified, aromatized wine and it dulls with time, so the fresher bottle will taste noticeably brighter.