Vermouth: strength, types, consumption culture

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Vermouth is a popular alcoholic drink among women and men. It belongs to wine products, infused with aromatic herbs with the addition of spicy spices. Its main feature is the ability to change the taste depending on the combination with a snack or other drink. In the article, we will consider what types of vermouth are, the strength and composition of this wine.

History and components

Vermouth means "wormwood wine" in German. The drink owes its name to one of the Bavarian kings who ruled in the Middle Ages. Although, according to historians, this alcohol was known long before that, and some even attribute its creation to Hippocrates. Allegedly, he insisted on herbs and roots for an even greater healing effect.

The history of one of the most popular types of vermouth - Cinzano - begins in 1757 in northwestern Italy. However, for a long time it was made at home. The birthplace of the drink is called the Apennines, and in our time it is produced in accordance withItalian traditions.

On an industrial scale, the drink began to be produced in 1786 by winemaker Antonio Carpano in Turin.

The strength of vermouth depends on the ingredients included in its composition.

Wine is prepared on the basis of the following components (as a percentage of the total):

• alpine wormwood (about 50%);
• yarrow (about 20%);
• peppermint (less than 11%);
• cinnamon (10%);
• cardamom (about 8%);
• black elderberry (6%);
• nutmeg and other herbal supplements.

How strong is the drink?

Let's analyze this issue in more detail. The composition of the drink largely determines the strength of vermouth - wine, all components of which are infused with alcohol. And then they are added to the base - white wine with a strength of 11-13%. The finished mixture is cooled to a temperature of 5 ° C and left for several weeks. After that, for almost a year, the temperature is raised to room temperature and alcohol is added as a preservative, and sugar is added to neutralize the bitterness of wormwood. Their number determines the final strength of the vermouth.

How many degrees in different types of wine can be measured with special instruments. This parameter of vermouth is indicated, as in other alcoholic beverages, by the percentage:

• sweet wine - 10 to 18% sugar, 16% alcohol;
• dry wine (dry and extra dry) - from 2.5 to 4% sugar, 18% alcohol;
• bitter wine - contains 2.5 to 2.8% sugar, 25% alcohol.

Types of vermouth

Vermouth is produced in different countries, but the most popular are Italian brands Martini and Cinzano, Russian Delasy, Crimean Trino and Salvatore from the Spanish manufacturer. In the manufacture of each of them, similar components are used, but as a result they acquire an individual taste and aroma. According to most consumers, Spanish and Italian vermouth are the most palatable and of high quality. It is important to note here that the product of a domestic manufacturer is gaining more and more popularity every year.

If we talk about the varieties of this drink, then there are only five of them:

1. Dry vermouth (Secco and Dry) with no more than 4% sugar.
2. White vermouth (Bianco). The sugar content ranges from 10-15%. This species is the most popular in the world.
3. Red vermouth (Rosso). Sweet tasting aperitif, sugar content - more than 15%. Most often it is consumed by women.
4. Pink vermouth (Rose). It is based on white and red wine. The sugar content in it is in the range of 15-20%.
5. Bitter vermouth (Bitter). It is characterized by increased strength - up to 75%. In comparison with other species, the wine material in its composition is either completely absent or contained in minimal proportions.

People choose a drink according to their personal preferences. Men like stronger vermouths, while women prefer sweeter varieties. However, the most common type among both sexesis Bianco.

How to drink?

It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. It all depends on the type of drink chosen, the strength of the vermouth and personal preferences. However, there are general guidelines for drinking this wine, especially in a secular society.

1. Since vermouth is considered an aperitif and perfectly awakens the appetite, they drink it only before the feast.
2. The drink is mixed with fruit (citrus) juices or other alcoholic drinks. It is often used to make cocktails with vodka, mixed with sparkling water.
3. In its pure form, a heavily chilled drink is consumed. The optimum temperature is from +8 °С to +12 °С. Serve vermouth in cocktail glasses or whiskey glasses. They drink it slowly, in small sips, to maximize the bouquet of taste.
4. Dry vermouth, as a rule, is consumed in its pure form, and sweet vermouth is diluted with tonic or lemonade.

What to drink with?

As already mentioned, vermouth is an aperitif, so it is served with light snacks. Moreover, certain products should be offered for each type of drink.

1. Olives, olives, s alted peanuts, crackers or hard cheeses are suitable for dry vermouth. If you plan to serve more hearty dishes, these can be sandwiches with smoked salmon, ham or red caviar. However, ideally, this wine is drunk chilled, without snacking.
2. White vermouth with a slight bitterness and aroma of herbs and spices goes well with citrus fruits,grapes and pineapple. Olives and cheese with a slightly pronounced creamy aroma complement the taste well.
3. The taste of red vermouth is set off by a s alty snack in the form of crackers, nuts, as well as strawberries, red grapes and citrus fruits.
4. Pink martini is added to cocktails, it harmonizes perfectly with the taste of cherry and grapefruit juice and with all the snacks listed above.

Often people are interested in what Martini Bianco vermouth is drunk with, as this is one of the most popular drinks of this type. Since it is a white wine variety, it should be served with fruits and juices.

Rules for the use of vermouth

In general, this wine is served as an aperitif an hour and a half before meals.

The use of vermouth, the strength of which is from 25%, implies a high-calorie snack. These can be dishes made with meat, fish, chicken and vegetables.

This drink is served not only as an aperitif, but also as a means of improving digestion. In this case, it is consumed after meals along with dessert, ice cream, berries and fruits.

Sweet vermouth can be mixed with stronger alcohol and non-sweet sodas.

Vermouth reviews

Many customers rave about this drink. Having tried it, they advise their friends and acquaintances to do the same. The female part of the audience especially notes the mild taste of sweet varieties of wine, emphasizing that "they fell in love with the Martini from the first sip."

Men like stronger types of vermouth. They also note that a bottle of this aperitif could well serve as a gift to a friend or colleague.

There is also that part of consumers who are not satisfied with the taste of the drink. This is due to the fact that these people do not welcome the aroma of the herbs that make up the alcohol in alcohol.