A long-aged vermouth matured in different types of oak casks
Dos Déus Gran Reserva since 1999 is a Spanish long-aged vermouth crafted for those seeking greater depth and complexity in their aperitif. Its character combines an elegant, pronounced bitterness with the sweetness of Sherry and distinctive notes of candied orange.
Produced by Priorat B&D LAB, it offers a modern interpretation of traditional vermouth. What sets it apart within the range is its carefully staged ageing process using different types of casks. Each wood contributes a specific layer of complexity without masking the wine base or the balance between sweetness, bitterness and botanicals.
Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada as the foundation
The vermouth is made from three traditional grape varieties: Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada. This blend provides an ideal foundation for extended ageing and the gradual integration of the botanicals.
Rather than relying solely on sweetness, this Gran Reserva retains a bold structure. The bitter notes are clearly present but balanced by hints of fortified wines and candied fruit. The result is a vermouth designed to be enjoyed slowly, allowing its complexity to unfold in the glass.
Its carefully selected botanicals complement the wine without turning it into an overly aromatic liqueur. In Dos Déus Gran Reserva since 1999, the focus is shared between the wine base, the ageing process and the contrast between bitterness and sweetness that defines classic-style vermouths.
Successive ageing in French oak and Sherry casks
The personality of this expression is built through maturation in different types of wood. The process begins in French oak casks, which provide structure before the vermouth enters its longer ageing period in seasoned wine casks.
It then spends three years in Oloroso Sherry casks. This stage adds depth while integrating the sweet and oxidative notes with the bitterness of the botanicals. Rather than a simple finishing touch, it is a prolonged maturation that has a significant influence on the final profile.
The final stage consists of one year of refinement in Pedro Ximénez and Palo Cortado casks. Pedro Ximénez enhances notes of ripe fruit and sweetness, while Palo Cortado contributes a drier, more elegant and complex character.
This combination of casks explains why the vermouth is more sophisticated than those intended purely for casual drinking. It is a bottle for those who appreciate cask-aged wines, the nuances of Sherry and vermouths with a clearly defined bitterness.
How to serve Dos Déus Gran Reserva since 1999
As an aperitif, it is best served well chilled in a large wine glass or a tumbler. It can be enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its ageing, or over a large ice cube for a fresher style. A twist of orange peel enhances its citrus profile without adding extra sweetness.
It also pairs well with a green olive or a strip of lemon peel. Highly aromatic garnishes are best avoided, as they may overshadow the nuances developed during ageing in the Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez and Palo Cortado casks.
At the table, it pairs particularly well with flavourful appetisers:
- Olives, roasted almonds and mixed nuts.
- Tinned seafood, anchovies and mussels.
- Aged cheeses and Iberian cured meats.
- Pâtés, cured fish and lightly smoked tapas.
Its intensity also makes it an excellent choice for cocktails. It can replace traditional sweet vermouth in classic serves where greater wine character and the influence of Sherry casks are desired. In these cases, proportions should be adjusted carefully to ensure its personality does not overpower the other ingredients.
A perfect choice for special aperitifs and after-dinner occasions
Dos Déus Gran Reserva since 1999 is perfectly suited to relaxed aperitifs, gatherings at home and after-dinner moments when something different from fortified wine or spirits is desired. Its presentation and meticulous production also make it an excellent gift for enthusiasts of vermouth, Sherry or cask-aged beverages.
At Licorea, we consider it especially appealing to customers who already appreciate traditional vermouth and are looking for an expression with greater complexity and evolution in the glass. It is not a light vermouth designed simply to be mixed with soft drinks. Its true value lies in its extended ageing, the succession of different cask types and the balance between bitter, sweet and citrus notes.
As an alternative within our range, Dos Déus Estrelles is an excellent choice for those wishing to explore another expression from the producer or broaden their selection of premium vermouths.
