As the great Wikipedia says, vermouth is a flavored wine made from grapes with the addition of herbs (mint, cardamom, yarrow, nutmeg, wormwood, etc.). Mostly vermouth is made from white wine obtained by selection of delicious and ripe grapes. On average, the strength of vermouth is from 15 to 18% with a sugar share of 6 to 16%. Initially, vermouth was made only from white grapes, today there are about five different types of it from pink and red grapes.
The history of Vermouth dates back millennia. Even in ancient Greece, Hippocrates insisted a sweet drink on wine and wormwood. The “vermouth” of that time was used exclusively for medicinal purposes. Vermouth began to enjoy popularity only in Ancient Rome of the 4th century BC. e. The Romans in those years used this drink at every celebration from a public holiday to a family dinner. Later, the taste of vermouth improved, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other spices began to be added to the composition, then this drink became known worldwide thanks to European merchants.
To date, Martini remains the most popular vermouth. For many, martinis have long been synonymous with the word vermouth, which is why we often call all sugary drinks from a number of vermouth “martinis”, although this is not true. Martini, of course, has a great advantage over other Vermouths because of its long history and popularity. The promoted brand “Martini” is also known to everyone due to its taste. At the same time, Martini has a small drawback - the price. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to buy an expensive alcoholic drink and, wishing to join the beautiful, buys other vermouths at more affordable prices.
“Budget” vermouths include drinks from Russian producers. The most popular of these is Vermouth Salvatore. It is not necessary to say that Salvatore is inferior to the original, but, nevertheless, confidently holds on to the market. Vermouth Salvatore is the most affordable domestic-made vermouth. It is produced at the winery in St. Petersburg. The vermouth contains alcohol, sugar, wormwood, flavorings, and the sugar composition per 1 liter is about 150 grams. Vermouth Salvatore has a sugary tart taste, so it is preferable to dilute it with soda or juice with ice. Salvador Vermouth, due to its economy, is suitable for a large party, the guests at which are unpretentious. Today there are 5 types of vermouth: Blanco, Rojo, Rose, Bitter, Dry. Also, Vermouth Salvatore will allow you to experience popular cocktail recipes using martinis, but keep in mind that the taste of the cocktail will be different from the original!
Another popular vermouth Russian vermouth is Santanelli. Santanelli, like his brother, is an affordable drink. Its price varies from 100 to 200 rubles per 1 liter. The low producer price is associated with cheap supplies and the simple composition of the drink. In this vermouth, as well as in others, alcohol and sugar prevail in combination with flavorings of various herbs. Do not talk about the corresponding smell of the drink. Choosing this product, it is naive to hope for a bouquet of tastes and aromas, because apart from the sweet taste and intoxication you will not feel anything.
Cinzano is considered closer to the true Martini, as well as its main competitor . Chinzano is made in Italy. Many argue about what is better, Martini or Chinzano, but the taste and color, as they say, there are no comrades. Chinzano is cheaper and sweeter in taste, while Martini is a more promoted and recognizable brand. Do not argue without trying both drinks, because only in this case you can understand which vermouth is closer to your taste.