What Defines Vermouth's Strength?
To understand if vermouth is a "strong" alcohol, one must first grasp what vermouth is. Vermouth is not a spirit, but rather an aromatized and fortified wine. The core of vermouth is a base wine, which is then infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and roots. The "fortified" aspect means that a neutral distilled spirit, often brandy, is added to the wine to increase its alcohol content and help preserve it. This fortification process is what separates vermouth from standard table wines and gives it a higher alcohol percentage, but it does not make it a liquor.
The Vermouth Production Process
The production of vermouth involves several key steps that influence its final strength and flavour profile:
- Base Wine Selection: Producers typically use low-alcohol, unaged wines as the foundation. These are often white wines, even for sweet red vermouths, with caramel added later for color.
- Fortification: A neutral spirit, most commonly grape brandy, is added. This raises the alcohol by volume (ABV) significantly higher than that of unfortified wine.
- Botanical Infusion: A secret blend of botanicals is steeped or macerated in the fortified wine. Common botanicals include wormwood, citrus peel, star anise, and cinnamon, which impart distinct herbal and bitter notes.
- Sweetening: Depending on the style, sugar, concentrated grape must, or caramelized sugar is added to balance the bitterness from the botanicals.
- Aging and Filtration: The final product is aged briefly, and then clarified and filtered before bottling.
Vermouth vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages
To put vermouth's strength into context, it's essential to compare it to other common drinks. Its average ABV of around 18% is a perfect middle ground between wine and spirits, offering a versatile drinking experience.
| Beverage Category | Typical ABV Range | Relative Strength | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine | 9–14% | Lower | Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Dessert Wine | 14–20% | Comparable to higher-end vermouth | Port, Sherry |
| Vermouth | 16–22% | Moderate, higher than most wines | Dolin, Martini & Rossi |
| Spirits | 40%+ | High | Vodka, Whiskey, Gin |
As the table illustrates, vermouth is definitively stronger than standard table wine due to its fortification. However, it is not in the same category of "strong" as hard spirits. When mixed into a cocktail like a Martini or Manhattan, it actually serves to lower the overall ABV of the final drink by cutting a high-proof spirit with a lower-proof fortified wine.
Different Styles of Vermouth and Their Strength
Not all vermouths are created equal, and their strength can vary slightly by style. The main types are sweet (rosso), dry, and blanc/bianco, each with different sweetness levels and ABV ranges.
- Sweet (Rosso) Vermouth: This classic Italian style is rich, dark, and sweet, often coloured with caramel. It typically has an ABV of 16-18%.
- Dry Vermouth: Originating in France, dry vermouth is paler in color and less sweet, with more bitter, herbal, and floral notes. Its ABV typically ranges from 15-18%.
- Extra-Dry Vermouth: An even drier version of vermouth with a very low sugar content. Its ABV is often slightly higher, around 18-21%.
- Blanc (Bianco) Vermouth: A white vermouth that is sweeter than dry vermouth but lighter than sweet rosso. It is often characterized by vanilla notes. Its ABV is usually in the 15-18% range.
Serving and Storage for Vermouth
Because vermouth is wine-based, proper storage is crucial to maintaining its quality and flavour. An unopened bottle can last for years, but once opened, vermouth is susceptible to oxidation, just like regular wine.
- Refrigerate after Opening: Once you break the seal, an opened bottle of vermouth should be stored in the refrigerator to slow down oxidation.
- Consume Within a Month: For the best flavour, opened vermouth should be consumed within one to three months. Over time, it will lose its fresh, vibrant botanical notes. Some more oxidative styles may last longer, but freshness is always key.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether vermouth is a strong alcohol depends on the comparison. It is a fortified wine, meaning it's inherently stronger than its non-fortified counterparts, but it falls well short of the potency of distilled spirits. Its ABV varies by style, typically ranging from 16% to 22%, placing it in a category of its own. This moderate strength makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient for cocktails, as well as a delightful, low-alcohol option to be sipped on its own or over ice. For home bartenders and aperitivo enthusiasts alike, understanding vermouth's true nature is the key to unlocking its full potential.
To learn more about the EU regulations that define vermouth, you can refer to the detailed guidelines on Difford's Guide.
