Crafted with the essence of blooms from the Roseraie de Monaco and Piedmontese fortified wine, Monte Carlo Vermouth is making waves in Monaco’s premium spirits scene.
Monte Carlo Vermouth, a locally produced premium spirit, is gaining attention in Monaco’s high-end beverage market, thanks to its artisanal production and blend of modern technology with traditional methods.
As Edouard Eme, Director of Monte Carlo Vermouth, explained to Monaco Life, a gap was identified in Monaco’s market as there was no extra premium Vermouth produced locally. Therefore, in 2022, Monte Carlo Vermouth was launched after a year of work in progress. “Monte Carlo vermouth was created to reflect the uniqueness and luxury of the Principality,” said Eme.
“The next challenge was to find all the different components,” revealed Eme. “The bottles come from England, the corks are sourced from Argentina, and the complexity comes from being located between Monaco, Italy, and France.”
A floral twist
Monte Carlo Vermouth is crafted in small batches, blending the expertise of Monaco, Grasse, and Piedmont. The roses, handpicked from the Roseraie de Monaco, impart a unique floral character. These petals are then sent to Grasse, renowned for its perfumery, for specialised processing.
“We love this flavour because it complements cocktails beautifully, and with the rose being the queen of flowers – and Princess Grace’s favourite – it creates an even stronger connection between the brand and Monaco.”
Meanwhile, the base wines come from the renowned Piedmont winemaking region. Moscato d’Asti DOCG is used for the white vermouth, and Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is used for the red. These wines are blended with botanicals like artemisia, citrus, and Mediterranean spices to create a balanced, refined flavour.
“We’ve chosen only the finest ingredients. While most vermouths are made with ordinary wines, we use Moscato d’Asti and Langhe Nebbiolo, which gives our vermouth a distinctive edge,” explained Eme.
Expansion
Despite winning several gold medals at prestigious competitions, including the London Spirits Competition and the Concours International de Lyon, Monte Carlo Vermouth maintains a niche positioning aimed at knowledgeable drinkers rather than mass market appeal.
Available in several of Monaco’s establishments, such as Buddha Bar, Yacht Club de Monaco, and Beefbar, it can be enjoyed on the rocks or as part of a cocktail, with the classic negroni being a popular choice. Beyond the Principality, Monte Carlo Vermouth is working with a Paris distributor and has been available at the Hôtel de Crillon and Hôtel Lutetia since the start of this summer.
“Looking ahead, the plan is to secure distribution deals in Italy, Spain, and the US. We’re also aiming to expand into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpe region of France, focusing primarily on ski resort establishments,” Eme revealed.
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Photo credit: Regulus PR