Are you a lover of aperitifs and looking for a new drink to add to your repertoire? Look no further than vermouth! This delicious fortified wine has a long and fascinating history, with roots in Italy and France dating back to the 18th century. In recent years, vermouth has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to its versatility, complex flavor profile, and its status as a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Martini and Negroni.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of vermouth, exploring its origins, production methods, and most importantly, how to taste and enjoy it. So grab a bottle of your favorite vermouth and let’s get started!
Origins and Production
Vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is infused with a variety of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and bittering agents. It can be made from a variety of base wines, including white, red, and rosé, but the most common type of vermouth is made from a white wine base.
The exact recipe for vermouth can vary widely from brand to brand, but common botanicals used include wormwood, which gives the drink its name (vermouth is derived from the German word for wormwood, “wermut”), as well as juniper, cinnamon, cardamom, and citrus peels. These botanicals are infused in the base wine for a period of time, giving the vermouth its distinctive flavor and aroma.
Once the infusion is complete, the vermouth is then fortified with a neutral spirit, typically brandy or a grape-based spirit like grappa. This process raises the alcohol content of the wine and also adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Tasting and Enjoying Vermouth
Now that we know a bit more about how vermouth is made, let’s talk about how to taste and enjoy it. Vermouth is typically served as an aperitif, which means it’s meant to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It can be served neat or on the rocks, but it’s also a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Martini, Manhattan, and Negroni.
When tasting vermouth on its own, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to take note of the color. White vermouth is typically lighter and more floral, while red vermouth is richer and more complex. Next, give the vermouth a good sniff to take in the aromas of the botanicals. You may detect notes of juniper, citrus, or spice depending on the brand.
Finally, take a sip and let the flavors unfold on your palate. You may notice a pleasant bitterness, along with notes of herbs and spices. Vermouth can be quite complex, so take your time and savor the experience.
