What is Vermouth? A Guide to the Aromatic Fortified Wine.

Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavoured (or aromatized) with various botanicals. It is a very important cocktail ingredient. As an aromatized wine, it can infused with a wide range of botanicals which results in many different, complex and flavourful versions. Vermouth comes in various types and styles, each offering its own distinct characteristics and uses.

The botanical blend in Vermouth varies from producer to producer (and is often a closely guarded family secret), but typically the blend will include a combination of roots, bark, flowers, herbs, spices and seeds. These botanicals are carefully selected and macerated in the base wine, allowing their flavours and aromas to infuse into the liquid. While the specific botanicals can vary from producer to producer, common ingredients include:

• Roots: Gentian, angelica and wormwood
• Barks: Cinchona bark
• Flowers: Chamomile, rose and hibiscus
• Herbs: Thyme, rosemary and sage
• Spices: Cinnamon and clove
• Seeds: Coriander, fennel and cardamom

See our Fareham Wine Cellar’s range of Vermouth here.

Traditionally, there are two types of vermouth: sweet and dry. However, today there are more types and styles available which include:

Sweet Vermouth, which can be red or white, is often associated with Italian producers (including Martini & Rossi and Cinzano) and is known for its rich, caramelized, and slightly sweet profile. Sweet red (“rosso”) styles are classically used in Negroni or Manhattan Cocktails.

Dry Vermouth, typically associated with French production, offers a more herbaceous and less sweet flavour profile. Brands include Noilly Prat and Dolin, perfect for making a Dry Martini.

Extra-Dry Vermouth is even less sweet than dry varieties, with less than 30 grams of sugar per litre. Cocchi makes a good extra-dry Vermouth. 

White Vermouth, also known as Bianco Vermouth, is a pale and slightly sweet variety that works well in lighter and fruit-forward cocktails. Examples include Dolin Blanc from France or Contratto from Italy.

Amber Vermouth, sometimes referred to as golden or amber dry Vermouth, these strike a balance between sweet and dry, offering a versatile option for a range of cocktail recipes. The most famous of these is the Noilly Prat Ambre.

Rosé Vermouth, with its pink hue, brings a subtle fruitiness and floral notes to the mix, making it a popular choice for refreshing and elegant drinks. Lustau, the Sherry producer, from Spain makes an excellent Rosé Vermouth.

How is Vermouth Made?

All Vermouth is made in the same basic way – a low alcohol white wine is made which may or may not be aged briefly. If it is to be sweet, sugar syrup is added to the wine prior to it being fortified with extra alcohol – this is normally a neutral grape spirit. After this the wine is then place in oak barrels with the dry botanicals and left to age, with occasional stirring, until it is ready for bottling. Red versions are generally made by adding caramel colour. It is usually bottled at between 16% and 18% abv.

Famous Producers

The most famous Italian producers are Carpano (known for Punt e Mes and Antica Formula), Cinzano, Gallo, Martini & Rossi and Cocchi. Some of the most well-known French producers include Noilly Prat and Dolin. In Spain, top producers of “Vermut” include Lustau, La Gitana, La Quintinye and Martínez Lacuesta.

Vermouth tends to be made in all parts of the world where wine is produced. In California, Quady produces some great Vermouth and, as wine production has increased in the UK, there has been a growth of small, boutique producers of Vermouth. Zuccardi in Argentina has also made interesting red and white Vermouths called La Fuerza, which are based on Malbec and Torrontes respectively.

Vermouth  from Chambery

One notable region renowned for its Vermouth production is Chambery in the Savoie region of France. This region has been awarded the prestigious appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) designation for its products, signifying their exceptional quality and adherence to specific production standards. Among the Vermouths produced in Chambery is Chamberyzette, a delightful variation infused with the luscious flavors of strawberries, adding a distinctive twist to the traditional Vermouth profile. Dolin is the most famous producer from Chambery.

The Versatility of Vermouth in Cocktails

Vermouth has a long and storied history, and it has become one of the most famous and classic cocktail ingredients. It is particularly renowned for its role in iconic cocktails such as the Martini and the Manhattan. In these cocktails, vermouth adds depth, complexity, and balance to the overall flavor profile, enhancing the spirits with its botanical-infused character.

In France, Vermouth is often drunk neat or over ice and it is also an invaluable cooking ingredient and is used in many fish, pork and chicken recipes.