Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth 750ml

Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth stands as the original French dry vermouth, crafted in Marseillan since 1813 using methods that remain largely unchanged. This iconic vermouth pioneered the dry style that would become essential to countless cocktails, particularly the Martini. The unique production process, including outdoor aging in oak casks exposed to Mediterranean sea breezes, creates a complexity and character that has made Noilly Prat the choice of discerning bartenders for over two centuries.

The production begins with a blend of two white wines – Picpoul de Pinet and Clairette – which undergo a unique transformation. The wines age separately in oak casks for eight months, with some casks kept outdoors where temperature fluctuations and sea air create distinctive flavors. After blending, the wine is infused with a secret recipe of 20 herbs and spices, including chamomile, coriander, and bitter orange. The result is a vermouth of remarkable complexity despite its pale appearance. The nose presents delicate floral notes with hints of citrus peel and wild herbs, while maintaining the wine's essential character.

On the palate, Noilly Prat Extra Dry delivers subtle complexity that enhances rather than dominates. The initial impression is crisp and slightly saline, followed by gentle botanical notes and a pleasant bitter finish from the wormwood. The dryness is pronounced but not austere, with enough body to stand up to gin or vodka in cocktails. In a classic Dry Martini, it provides the perfect counterpoint to gin's botanicals, while in a Gibson, its subtle complexity shines. The French tradition of serving it on ice with a twist as an aperitif showcases its sophistication as a standalone drink.

Noilly Prat Extra Dry represents more than just a cocktail ingredient – it's a piece of drinking history that has remained relevant through changing tastes. The traditional production methods, particularly the outdoor aging unique to Noilly Prat, create flavors impossible to replicate through shortcuts. This bottle remains essential for any serious bar, proving that some classics endure because they've already achieved perfection. For Martini purists and vermouth aficionados alike, Noilly Prat Extra Dry continues to set the standard against which all dry vermouths are measured.