Vermouth

Question 1

What is Vermouth?

What ingredient must be used in European vermouths?

What is the most iconic style and where did it originate?

Answer 1

A fortified armoatized wine made by adding a neutral spirit to a low-alcohol wine, then infusing it with spices, roots, and herbs before bottling. European vermouths must contain one of three varieties of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia pontica, or Artemisia maritime) as the main bitter agent. While it comes in a number of styes–depending on geographical origin, base wine, and sweetness–the most iconic style is the original Italian sweet “rosso” vermouth, which originated in Turin in the late 18th century.