What is Vermouth: Definition, Origins and HistoryThe Origins and History of Vermouth Wine
Vermouth is a category of fortified wine infused with an array of botanicals. Today, there is a wide variety of vermouths and botanical combinations available. The finest bartenders expertly choose the ideal brand of vermouth to enhance the flavours of the spirits in their cocktail creations.
Vermouth, also known in the Piedmont region, has a precise origin. Its history began in 1786 with Antonio Benedetto Carpano, owner of a store in Turin and scholar of herbal medicine. The young man made this beverage inspired by the ancient models of Greeks and Hippocrates, which, according to the legend, consisted of aromatizing the sacred nectar with spices, honey and herbs to make the taste more pleasing and possibly hide possible faults. Carpano decided to start from a local product, Moscato di Canelli, and by adding spices and aromatic herbs, he obtained a unique and innovative spiced wine, which soon entered the court of Savoy and transformed his liquor shop into the most popular place in the whole of Turin. Carpano called his invention Vermouth, most probably taking inspiration from the German word Wermut, which identifies the Artemisia Absinthium, more commonly known as Absinthe, the main aromatizer. Another hypothesis, less accredited but reported by some sources, suggests the term was created by a French herbalist during the reign of the Sun King as a similar beverage called Wehrmut (Wehr meaning 'army' and Mut meaning 'courage' in German), which was dedicated to soldiers to face wars in Germany. Despite this, as Arnaldo Strucchi says in his publication "The Vermouth of Turin'', "if it was not born in Piedmont, then in Turin it had its baptism of fame".
Ingredients of Vermouth
Vermouth wine represents Piedmontese excellence and has been produced for centuries by ancient wineries in Turin, such as Mulassano, Cinzano and Cocchi. Today, it has become the reference point for aperitifs and evokes all the charm of Turin's ancient traditions.
The method used to produce it has remained more or less unchanged and must follow certain criteria established by the discipline. It must contain at least 75% white wine (Moscato is very common, but Gavi or Timorasso are also used) or, in some rare cases, red wine. Alcohol can be added to make sure the minimum alcohol content is equal to or higher than 15.50% and does not exceed 22%. The recipe, however, remains a secret, but it requires the infusion in different times and quantities of the following elements: artemisia (it must necessarily be present) and a great number of different spices/herbs that vary based on the producer's choice (gentian, vanilla, juniper, cinnamon, nutmeg, elder, cinchona, mint and many others).
Different Types of Vermouth
Depending on the level of sugar obtained, Vermouthit can be divided into the following types:
- Extra dry Vermouth: less than 30 g/l
- Dry Vermouth: less than 50 g/l
- Semi-dry Vermouth: between 50-90 g/l
- Semi-sweet Vermouth: between 90-130 g/l
- Sweet Vermouth: more than 130 g/l
In addition, Vermouth wine can be White, Rosé, or Red, the latter being the only one to which caramel or burnt sugar can be added in order to reach this shade. This adds to the unique vermouth taste that enthusiasts cherish.
As of 2017, the Piedmont region has granted it IG recognition. This denomination includes more restrictive factors, such as the use of exclusively Piedmontese absinthe and domestically produced wine.
The primary differences between French vermouths and Italian vermouth
The primary differences between French Vermouth and Italian vermouth lie in their flavour profiles, styles, and traditional uses.
Italian Vermouth
Flavour Profiles:
- Typically sweeter and richer.
- Often characterized by a more pronounced and complex sweetness with herbal and spiced undertones.
- Commonly uses a variety of botanicals such as wormwood, cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus peel.
- Known for its red (sweet) vermouths like Carpano Antica Formula and Martini Rosso.
Styles and Types:
- Predominantly known for its sweet vermouths, integral to many classic cocktails.
- Also produces dry vermouths, which are less common than the sweeter varieties.
French Vermouth
Flavour Profiles:
- Generally drier and lighter.
- Features a more delicate and nuanced flavour profile, often with floral and herbaceous notes.
- Commonly uses botanicals such as chamomile, elderflower, and coriander.
- Best known for its white (dry) vermouths like Noilly Prat and Dolin Dry.
Styles and Types:
- Famous for its dry vermouths, which are essential in cocktails like the Martini.
- Also produces some sweet vermouths, which are less prominent than their Italian counterparts.
Serving and Mixology of Vermouth
In the crowded market of Piedmontese wines, this excellence of Turin holds a prominent place, particulary when it comes to aperitif time. According to tradition, it can be enjoyed straight with ice cubes, orange slices, and lemon peel squeezed over the glass, or it can become a star in creating of the most eccentric and famous cocktails. The Dry version is mainly used to make Martini cocktails, whereas the sweet version makes the famous Negroni, Negroni Sbagliato, Americano, Rob Roy, Manhattan and many others.
On Callmewine, you will find bottles of Vermouth for every occasion. The Vermouth price varies, but you can always find deals that suit your budget and palate and enjoy the convenience of vermouth delivery right to your door. Discover our selection of Vermouth, which is perfect for giving as a gift or enjoying in lively company. With these fantastic bottles, aperitifs and dinner invitations will never be the same again.
