Vermouth is a popular alcoholic drink among women and men. It refers to wine products, infused with aromatic herbs with the addition of spicy spices. Its main feature is the ability to change taste depending on the combination with a snack or another drink. In the article, we consider what types of vermouth are, the strength and composition of this wine.
History and components
Vermouth translated from German means "wormwood wine." 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 - "Chinzano" - begins in 1757 in northwestern Italy. However, for a long time it was made at home. The homeland of the drink is called the Apennines, and in our time it is made in accordance with Italian traditions.
On an industrial scale, the drink was produced in 1786 by the winemaker Antonio Carpano in Turin.
The strength of vermouth depends on the ingredients that make up its composition.
The wine is prepared on the basis of the following components (as a percentage of the total):
- alpine wormwood (about 50%);
- yarrow (approximately 20%);
- peppermint (less than 11%);
- cinnamon (10%);
- cardamom (about 8%);
- black elderberry (6%);
- nutmeg and other herbal supplements.
What is the strength of the drink?
Let us examine this question in more detail. The composition of the drink largely determines the strength of vermouth - wine, all components of which insist on 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 was raised to room temperature and alcohol was added as a preservative, and sugar was 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 designated, as in other alcoholic beverages, as a percentage:
- sweet wine - from 10 to 18% sugar, 16% alcohol;
- dry wine (dry and extra dry) - from 2.5 to 4% sugar, 18% alcohol;
- Bitter wine - contains from 2.5 to 2.8% sugar, 25% alcohol.
Types of Vermouth
Vermouth is available in different countries, but the Italian brands Martini and Cinzano, Russian Delasy, Crimean Trino and Salvatore from a Spanish manufacturer are considered the most popular. 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 are 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:
- Dry vermouth (Secco and Dry) with a sugar content of not more than 4%.
- White Vermouth (Bianco). Sugar content ranges from 10-15%. This species is most popular in the world.
- Red Vermouth (Rosso). Sweet aperitif, sugar content - more than 15%. Most often it is consumed by women.
- Pink vermouth (Rose). Its basis is white and red wine. The sugar content in it is in the range of 15-20%.
- Bitter Vermouth (Bitter). It is characterized by increased strength - up to 75%. Compared to other types, the wine material in its composition is either completely absent or contained in minimal proportions.
People choose a drink according to personal preference. Men like stronger vermouths, unlike women who like sweet varieties more. However, the most common species among both sexes is Bianco.
How to drink?
It is impossible to unequivocally answer this question. It all depends on the type of drink chosen, the strength of Vermouth and personal preferences. Nevertheless, there are general recommendations for drinking this wine, especially in secular society.
- Since vermouth is considered an aperitif and arouses appetite, they drink it only before a feast.
- The drink is mixed with fruit (citrus) juices or other alcoholic beverages. Often, cocktails with vodka are prepared from it, mixed with sparkling water.
- In its pure form, a highly chilled drink is consumed. The optimum temperature is considered to be from +8 ° to +12 ° . Serve vermouth in cocktail glasses or glasses for whiskey. Drink it slowly, in small sips, to maximize the opening of a bouquet of taste.
- Dry vermouth, as a rule, is consumed in pure form, and sweet is diluted with tonic or lemonade.
What to drink with?
As already mentioned, vermouth is an aperitif, therefore it is served together with light snacks. Moreover, for each type of drink, certain products should be offered.
- Dry vermouth is suitable for olives, olives, salted peanuts, crackers or hard cheese. If you plan to serve more nutritious dishes, it can be sandwiches with smoked salmon, ham or red caviar. However, ideally, this wine is drunk chilled without snacking.
- White vermouth with a light bitterness and the 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.
- The taste of red vermouth is complemented by a brackish appetizer in the form of crackers, nuts, as well as strawberries, red grapes and citrus fruits.
- Pink martini is added to cocktails, it is in perfect harmony with the taste of cherry and grapefruit juice and with all the snacks listed above.
Often people are interested in what they drink Martini Bianco vermouth with, as this is one of the most popular drinks of this kind. Since it belongs to a variety of white wines, it must be served with fruits and juices.
Rules for the use of vermouth
In general, this wine is served as an aperitif one and a half hours before a meal.
The use of vermouth, whose strength is 25%, implies a high-calorie snack. It can be dishes made from 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 with dessert, ice cream, berries and fruits.
Sweet vermouth can be mixed with stronger alcohol and non-sweet sodas.
Reviews about Vermouth
Many buyers are enthusiastic about this drink. After trying it, they advise their friends and acquaintances to do the same. The female part of the audience especially notes the mild taste of sweet wines, emphasizing that "they fell in love with Martini from the first sip."
Men like stronger types of vermouth. They also note that a bottle of this aperitif may well serve as a gift to a friend or colleague.
There is also that part of consumers that the taste of the drink does not suit. This is due to the fact that these people do not welcome the aroma of herbs included in the composition in alcohol.