Vermut Winery: Discovering the Art of Vermouth-Making
If you love vermouth, have you ever wondered how it’s made? What are the herbs, spices, and botanicals that give it its unique flavor and aroma? How do you balance the sweetness, bitterness, and acidity to create a perfect blend? And how do you age and bottle the vermouth to preserve its character and quality?
If you’re curious about the craft of vermouth-making, visiting a vermouth winery could be a fascinating and educational experience. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best vermouth wineries in the world, where you can learn about the history, culture, and science of vermouth-making, and taste some of the finest vermouths available.
Casa Mariol (Spain): Located in the town of Batea, in the heart of Terra Alta, Casa Mariol is a family-run winery that has been producing vermouth since 1945. Their signature vermut is made from Macabeo and Xarel·lo grapes, and infused with more than 150 botanicals, including wormwood, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Casa Mariol also offers a vermouth museum, a tasting room, and a restaurant that serves traditional Catalan cuisine.
Dolin (France): Founded in 1821, Dolin is one of the oldest and most respected vermouth producers in the world. Located in Chambéry, the historical capital of vermouth-making in France, Dolin uses local herbs and flowers, such as chamomile, gentian, and yellow cinchona, to flavor its vermouths. Dolin also makes a range of aperitifs, including a bitter, a sweet, and a dry vermouth, that are widely used in classic cocktails.
Cocchi (Italy): Established in 1891, Cocchi is a boutique winery that specializes in artisanal vermouths, aperitifs, and sparkling wines. Located in Asti, in the Piedmont region of Italy, Cocchi uses a secret blend of herbs and spices to create its vermouths, which are aged for several months in oak barrels. Cocchi’s Vermouth di Torino is one of the few vermouths that have been granted the prestigious DOCG status, which ensures the highest quality and authenticity.
Atxa (Spain): Founded in 1831, Atxa is one of the oldest and most traditional vermouth producers in the Basque Country, Spain. Located in Amurrio, Atxa uses a proprietary blend of herbs, fruits, and spices to flavor its vermouths, which are aged for at least one year in oak casks. Atxa’s Vermouth Rojo and Vermouth Blanco are renowned for their complex and balanced flavors, and are often served with pintxos, the Basque version of tapas.
Maidenii (Australia): While vermouth may have originated in Europe, it has also found a new home in the land down under. Maidenii, a small winery located in Victoria, Australia, makes vermouths that reflect the diversity and richness of the Australian flora. Maidenii uses native botanicals, such as wattleseed, river mint, and strawberry gum, to flavor its vermouths, which are handcrafted in small batches. Maidenii’s Classic, Dry, and Sweet vermouths have won numerous awards and accolades, and are enjoyed by vermouth lovers around the world.
If you’re planning to visit a vermouth winery, make sure to check their opening hours, reservation policies, and guided tours. Some wineries may require advance booking, while others may offer self-guides. Salut!
