Country of origin: Australia
Alcohol content: 16% ABV

Unico Zelo has released a sweet vermouth made with yuzu (a citrus originally from Japan but sourced from Mountain Yuzu in Victoria) and merlot wine that’s been matured for 12 months. Limited to 1200 bottles and produced in collaboration with Applewood Distillery, Unico Yuzu is 

Using Unico Zelo's killer combination of Italian and Australian winemaking, this italian style sweet vermouth brings a healthy amount of yuzu in addition to a blend of native botanicals showcased in their idiosyncratic Okar Island Bitter Amaro.

Perfect in an all Australian Negroni, or chilled over ice. Alternatively can be used whenever an Italian, rosso, red, or sweet vermouth is called for.

“The flavours just seemed to work so well together,” Laura Carter tells Broadsheet of the unorthodox mix. “[It’s] a really fun project; a way to contribute something new and fun to the wine and spirits arena. We had leftover native botanicals from making our sister product – Økar Australian Amaro – and wanted to make further use of those unique flavours.” —WORDS VIA BROADSHEET.COM.AU

About Unico Zelo:

As winemakers, Laura and Brendan are incredibly passionate about the soil and produce we have here in Australia. It's their aim to showcase products to the rest of the world that embrace Australian native ingredients and pay homage to the custodianship of the indigenous people who have maintained the land for thousands of years. 

It's this passion that has driven them to start two wine labels: one that protects farmers, Harvest Wines; and another that protects the future, Unico Zelo. They've since taken these concepts and catapulted them into the horticultural realm with their distillery, Applewood; studying indigenous produce, its beneficial effects on our land and the stories it can tell through incredible colours, flavours, and textures.

Applewood seeks to add value to native ingredients, supporting farmers who opt for more sustainable farming methods, crops and orchards. They value those who wish to listen and learn from indigenous culture and understand the importance of working in harmony with nature. Applewood crafts uniquely Australian liquor and are passionate about ways to communicate this in a familiar manner. To share the wonders of the rarest produce on Earth, with the rest of the world.