Vermouth is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Spain that has gained immense popularity in recent years. This aromatic aperitif with a spicy, herbal flavor is an indispensable part of Spanish gastronomic culture.
Spanish Vermouth
What is Spanish Vermouth?
Vermouth is an alcoholic beverage that is made from white wine enriched with herbs, spices, and other aromatic ingredients. The most commonly used ingredient is wormwood, which gives vermouth its characteristic bitterness, along with cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and many others.
The wine used to make vermouth is fortified. This means that a wine distillate has been added to it, increasing the alcohol content. Fortification is one of the defining characteristics of vermouth. Thanks to fortification, vermouth has a higher alcohol content than regular wine, typically between 15 to 22 percent. There are several reasons for fortification: the higher alcohol content helps preserve the wine and extend its shelf life, the added alcohol gives vermouth its characteristic taste and aroma, and fortification is also part of the traditional vermouth recipe. Without fortification, the beverage would not be considered vermouth but rather an aromatized wine.
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The origin of vermouth dates back to the 18th century, when this aromatic aperitif became popular among Italians. However, the Spanish soon discovered the charm of vermouth and made it their own.
There are several reasons why vermouth is so popular in Spain. First and foremost, vermouth complements the local cuisine, which is famous for tapas. A glass of chilled vermouth and a plate of jamón serrano, olives, and cheese is the perfect indulgence for the Spanish. Vermouth is also wonderfully refreshing on hot summer days, of which Spain has plenty.
In Spain, vermouth is also the most socially acceptable alcoholic drink to enjoy before noon.
The tradition of drinking vermouth is strongest in Madrid. The best vermouths are enjoyed “de grifo” (on tap). At the most traditional spots, a bottle is filled directly from a “bodega,” large wooden barrels.
Types of Spanish Vermouth
Spanish vermouth is produced in two basic varieties, both using white wine as a base. Both types of vermouth are served with ice and a slice of lemon, often with an olive.
Vermut Rojo (Red Vermouth)
It has a bold flavor and a deep red color, which it gets from the addition of caramel. It tastes sweet and spicy, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. It is more complex and therefore more popular than white vermouth.
Vermut Blanco (White Vermouth)
It is milder and lighter than red vermouth. It has a fresh taste with herbal notes.
La Hora del Vermut
In Spain, drinking vermouth is associated with a tradition called “la hora del vermut,” or “vermouth hour.” This is a time spent with friends or family, usually between twelve and two o’clock (i.e., before lunch), when Spaniards enjoy a glass of chilled vermouth accompanied by various tapas. This tradition has deep roots and remains an integral part of the Spanish lifestyle today.
Vermuterías
Spaniards take vermouth so seriously that they have dedicated special establishments to it called vermuterías. These are bars specialized in serving vermouth, often with a long history and traditional interiors. Vermuterías offer a wide selection of vermouths from various producers, and of course, tapas and other delicacies of Spanish cuisine are not missing.
Most Popular Spanish Vermouth Brands
Spain is home to many renowned vermouth brands, some of which have a long tradition. Among the most popular are:
- Vermut Yzaguirre: A Catalan brand with more than 150 years of history, known for its quality vermouths.
- Vermut Miró: Another Catalan brand that produces vermouths according to traditional recipes. It is one of the most famous vermouth producers in Reus.
- Vermut Rofes: Another significant vermouth producer from Reus, Rofes is a brand with more than 100 years of tradition. Their vermouths are known for their quality and authentic taste.
- Vermut Iris: Another brand from Reus, they have been producing vermouth since 1947. Their drinks are appreciated for their smoothness and balanced flavors.
- Vermut Perucchi: A brand from Barcelona that specializes in producing premium vermouths.
- Vermut La Copa: An Andalusian brand that offers unique vermouths with cherry or orange flavors.
Reus: The Capital of Spanish Vermouth
If I had to name one place that is most significant for Spanish vermouth, it would undoubtedly be Reus. This Catalan city is the cradle of Spanish vermouth and the headquarters of many traditional producers. Reus boasts more than a two-hundred-year tradition of vermouth production and is rightly called the “capital of vermouth.” The whole city literally lives and breathes vermouth—with festivals, tastings, and competitions, as well as dozens of renowned bars and vermuterías. If you are a vermouth lover, Reus is definitely worth a visit.
Interesting Facts about Vermouth
- Vermouth is sometimes mixed with gin in Spain. In the Basque Country, try a “marianito,” a vermouth-based cocktail enhanced with gin. Personally, I prefer pure vermouth, but you can also try this variation.
- In Madrid, there is a bar named “Vermutería,” but it does not serve vermouth, only beer. The owner reportedly bet that he could run a bar with this name without serving vermouth. And he succeeded.
- In Barcelona, there is an annual event called the “Ruta del Vermut,” or vermouth route. During this event, you can visit dozens of bars and taste their vermouths at discounted prices.
- Vermouth was originally made in Italy as a remedy for digestive problems. It later became a popular aperitif.
- In Spain, vermouth is often served in a glass with a straw.
- In some parts of Spain, especially in Catalonia, vermouth is traditionally enjoyed not only before lunch but also before dinner. This is called “vermut de noche” (night vermouth).
- There are also non-alcoholic vermouths (“vermut sin alcohol”).
So cheers, or as they say in Spain, ¡salud!
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish meal, go for a wine tasting or a vineyard tour, which you can find throughout Spain. It is worth it! 🍷
