Vermouth - The Popular Aromatized Wine Beverage

The Origins of Vermouth Date Back to Ancient Times
Wines infused with herbs and spices were already known in ancient Egypt, China, Mesopotamia, and ancient Rome. Hippocrates also used wormwood in ancient Greece as a remedy. However, the vermouth tradition as we know it today probably originated in the 16th century in the Kingdom of Savoy.
Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who prepared the drink in Turin in 1786, is considered the inventor of modern vermouth. He refined red wine with sugar, caramel, and around 30 different herbs. Vermouth quickly became popular, and Carpano's store was open 24 hours a day. Later, drier white varieties also emerged in France.

Wormwood Gives the Drink Its Distinctive Taste
Vermouth gets its characteristic taste from the use of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). The bitter aromatic substances of the plant characterize vermouth and give it its name. In addition, the drink contains many other herbs and spices.
According to EU regulations, vermouth must meet the following criteria:
• Production from one or more wine products (proportion at least 75%)
• Addition of alcohol possible (alcohol content between 14.5% and 21.9%)
• Flavoring with substances obtained from Artemisia species
• Sweetening and coloring allowed
Depending on the sugar content, vermouth is described as "extra dry", "dry", "semi-dry", "sweet", or "sweet". While Italian vermouth is usually sweet, drier varieties are preferred in France.

Vermouth Is an Ingredient in Many Classic Cocktails
As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the popularity of vermouth as an aperitif and cocktail ingredient was high. Drinks like the Manhattan, Martini, Negroni or Americano are unthinkable without vermouth.
Whether as an aperitif, in cocktails, or in cooking - vermouth remains a versatile classic thanks to its distinctive aroma. The bittersweet composition of wine, wormwood, and spices is a taste experience that you should try.