Vermouth - L'Élixir de la Dame "Le Verger", sweet

The Maison Dâme was created in 2016 by Romuald Vincent in order to enhance the value of the region's then disappearing spirits. It is housed in the family home in Saint-Brice, a small town near Jarnac in Charente. Romuald wished to revive the tradition of local medicinal wine as practiced by the canons of the Abbey of Châtres de Saint-Brice until the 18th century. 

This sweet artisanal Vermouth is a vegetal bouquet of more than 15 plants. It is made from flowers (hawthorn), roots (valerian) and wild berries (rosehip) harvested in Saint-Brice, macerated in organic red wine, before being mixed with Cognac and enhanced with a touch of local flower honey. It offers flavors of red fruits and rhubarb, then notes of spices and cinnamon. 

This vermouth can be enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails (it would be perfect for a Manhattan). It can also be used to create original sauces, or poured over ice cream. Once opened, it can be kept for a maximum of 6 months in the refrigerator.