Vermouth

What is vermouth?

Similar to port wine, vermouth belongs to the category of fortified wines. Due to its bitter-sweet flavour, which the wine receives from the addition of wormwood, it is especially suited as an aperitif.

Wormwood –  A special healing plant

Wormwood, also known as absinthe, absinthium or artemisia absinthium, belongs to the species of artemisia and the family of asteraceae. The herbaceous plant has been used as a healing agent since ancient times. Back then, it was believed that the herb could not only help with digestif problems or lack of appetite but also with headaches and jaundice.

During the Middle Ages, wormwood was used as a repellent against demons and witches, but it was also used to repel mice and moths.

Today, it is assumed that the bitter compounds that are contained are responsible for the healing powers of wormwood. This is also why it is recommended for digestif issues like bloating or to stimulate liver function.

Despite its potential medical effect, wormwood should only be taken in controlled amounts, especially since some extracts contain up to 40% thujone.

Vermouth wine is not the only spirit, in which the herb finds its place. The plant is also essential for the creation of absinthe and can be found in many herbal liqueur recipes.

How is vermouth produced?

To produce vermouth, a fortified wine has to be made first. This is done by adding a high-proof neutral spirit to the fermenting must, which stops the fermentation process. The result is an especially sweet wine with an alcohol content between 14.5 and 21.9 percent.

The wine is flavoured during a process called maceration. During maceration, herbs are added to wine, whereby the aromas of the plants are slowly extracted by the alcohol.

Important: Although wormwood is the main flavouring agent, other herbs and plants can be used to create vermouth. Many brands use dozens of botanicals to create a flavour that’s as unique and rich as possible.

To remove the herbs after the maceration, the wine has to go through an elaborate filtering process.

How is vermouth consumed?

Even though vermouth can be enjoyed pure, the wine is often used as an ingredient in the creation of mixed drinks. Popular are the classic Martini, the Americano, the Negroni and the Manhattan.

What special vermouth brands are there?

The most popular vermouth brand is without a question Martini. The Italian producer creates its vermouth with only four ingredients and was founded as early as 1847. Today it is assumed that the company gave the American Martini cocktail its name – although there are competing etymological hypotheses.

But Martini is not the only vermouth brand you should have heard of. Popular brands include Carpano, Cinzano, Niolly Prat and Belsazar among others.

Vermouth at Gustero

At Gustero, you will find premium quality vermouth of the best international brands. Order now one of our classics like the Martini Rosso, Martini Bianco or the Antica Formula Carpano.