Vermut and tapas: a match made in heaven
When you think of Spanish cuisine, two things that immediately come to mind are vermut and tapas. Vermut, a fortified wine flavored with botanicals and spices, is a beloved drink in Spain that is often enjoyed as an aperitif. Tapas, on the other hand, are small dishes of food that are typically served with drinks, and are a staple of Spanish culinary culture. It’s no surprise that these two go together so well – in fact, they’re a match made in heaven. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between vermut and tapas, and how they enhance each other.
History of Vermut and Tapas
Vermut has been popular in Spain since the mid-19th century, and quickly became a popular aperitif. At the time, it was customary to serve small bites of food with drinks, to help whet the appetite and make the drink more enjoyable. These small bites of food eventually became known as tapas. There are many stories about the origin of tapas, but one of the most popular is that it was invented when a bartender covered a glass of vermut with a piece of ham, to keep flies away.
Why Vermut and Tapas are Perfect Together
The flavor profile of vermut makes it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of tapas. Vermut is slightly bitter, with notes of herbs and spices, and has a refreshing acidity. This makes it a great drink to enjoy with salty, savory tapas like olives, anchovies, and cured meats. The bitterness of vermut also helps to cut through the richness of fried foods like croquettes and patatas bravas.
In addition to its flavor profile, vermut’s low alcohol content also makes it a great drink to pair with tapas. Because tapas are typically served in small portions, and are meant to be shared, vermut’s lower alcohol content means that you can enjoy multiple drinks without getting too intoxicated.
How to Pair Vermut and Tapas
When it comes to pairing vermut and tapas, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the flavor profile of the vermut you’re drinking – is it sweet, dry, or somewhere in between? This will help you choose the right tapas to pair with it. For example, a sweet vermut would pair well with salty or savory tapas, while a dry vermut would be better with milder tapas.
Secondly, think about the type of tapas you’re serving – are they fried, grilled, or marinated? This will also affect how well they pair with vermut. Fried tapas, for example, are best enjoyed with a dry vermut that can cut through the richness of the oil, while grilled tapas would pair well with a slightly sweeter vermut that can complement the smoky flavor.
Some classic vermut and tapas pairings include:
Sweet vermut with olives and cured meats
Dry vermut with patatas bravas and croquettes
Bianco vermut with marinated seafood and vegetables
Rojo vermut with grilled meats and vegetables
In conclusion, vermut and tapas are a match made in heaven. The bitterness, acidity, and low alcohol content of vermut make it a perfect drink to pair with salty, savory tapas, and the history and culture of these two go hand-in-hand. Next time you’re enjoying some tapas, be sure to pair it with a glass of vermut – Salut!
