The botanicals in the vermouth whisper tales of Spain’s diverse flora. The herbs might transport you to the meadows of Galicia, while the citrus hints evoke Valencian orchards. Choosing a vermouth becomes deciding which Spanish tale you wish to taste. Mate Vermouth Blanco is made through the process of maceration, wherein vinified wine is left to steep with various roots, flowers, and savory herbs. These included bitter orange peel (tastes similar to sour oranges), sage (a type of herb that tastes like a blend between balsamic vinegar and pine needles), thyme, or star anise. It can be white (bianco), rosé or red (rosso), sweet or dry, although most red vermouths tend to be sweet. For negronis, then, you’d opt for a red vermouth, whereas your classic James Bond-martini would require a white vermouth. In short, no two are the same. Should vermouth be refrigerated?

We asked a panel of 10 spirits experts and consumers to sample 34 white, red, amber and rosé vermouths to find the best bottles to buy right now. And now you’re wondering: “How do I serve vermouth to make it look great? Fear not! We’re here to immerse you in the glorious art of serving red and white vermouth like a true connoisseur – get ready to be the coolest host in your party! Speaking of which, there’s a phrase in Spain, “ fer un vermut,” where vermouth is turned into a verb because going for vermouth (paired with tapas like olives or some hard cheese) is a relaxed, social occasion.

As with the gin craze, there has been a surge of new vermouth brands, not all of them with their own production. Soler Kettlitz predicts that those using third-party suppliers will gradually disappear, while premium brands like Perucchi, whose consumers are starting to request them by name, will prevail. Taste profile: Each sip unveils a rich tapestry of flavors. Velvety notes of ripe cherries and plums intermingle with hints of exotic spices, aromatic herbs, and citrus. While lush and opulent, the profile maintains an impeccable balance, gracefully transitioning from sweetness to refined bitterness. The original Vermouth Bianco is an Italian vermouth from Chambéry, France. It was created to compete with traditional sweet vermouths in Turin, Italy, and likely invented around the early 1880s. The ingredients are similar, but it has been filtered clear so that no color remains behind., garnering the label "semi-sweet." Atxa Rojo Premium hails from País Vasco, and is a delightful blend of aromatic herbs and fine white wines. This vermouth is a fruitier one, with strong notes of sweet cherry. You’ll also get notes of licorice and cinnamon to balance out the sweetness. Axta Rojo Premium is recommended to pair with tapas or barbecue. Historically, two types of vermouth dominated: white (or bianco, which is characteristically dry, floral and popular in martinis) and rosso (or sweet red, which has a richer, herbal quality, making it a mainstay in martinis and Manhattans).

Though the use of vermouth as a medicinal liquor waned by the end of the 18th century, herbalists still stand by the belief that wormwood helps to stimulate appetite and improve digestion, which goes to explain why vermouth – in its many forms – is traditionally served as an aperitif. What are the different styles of vermouth? Taste profile: Delicate and captivating, the palate is introduced to a symphony of dried fruits, subtle spices, and fragrant herbs. These flavors meld seamlessly, guided by a gentle sweetness, and are complemented by an underlying bitterness, creating a harmonious and memorable tasting experience. Finally, as we coast eastwards to Valencia, the vermouth tale takes a fresher, albeit profound, turn. Valencia might be the relative newcomer in this narrative, but its voice is clear and assertive. The vermouth here is not about grand histories but about possibilities. The region, with its abundant orchards and serene coastlines, promises reflective and visionary vermouths. Valencia’s vermouth is a toast to the future, a nod to the endless possibilities when tradition meets aspiration. 7 Best Spanish Vermouths To TasteVermouth is not just any wine. It’s wine but with superpowers. Imagine the wine as a superhero and the herbs and spices as his cape. Together, they create this magical drink we know and love. When mixed with rye whiskey, the rich notes are complemented by Lustau Sherry which adds an incredible flavor to the drink. Furthermore, mixing Angostura Bitters with it adds just enough spice. At the same time, the sweet Vermouth balances out all of the flavors perfectly, resulting in a delicious tipple with great depth without being overly sweet or bitter. 10. Badenhorst Caperitif Kaapse Dief Virgili and twin brother Albert produce El Bandarra at their family-owned winery, the 19th-century Casa Berger in Barcelona. Despite the provenance, the production process is anything but stuffy. “El Bandarra is blend of Xarel·lo and Macabeo, our indigenous white grapes, macerated with 50 herb extracts such as wormwood, clove, cinnamon and bitter orange,” says Virgili. “After fortifying the wine, it’s given a touch of caramel while we play disco-funky-rumba music at the winery.”