Types of Vermouth: A Beginner’s Guide
What Are the Main Types of Vermouth?
All vermouth fits into five unique main styles:
- Dry
- Sweet
- Bianco
- Ambrato
- Rose
You’ll experience a range of flavors within each style but dry vermouth tends to be crisp with an herbal bite. Sweet vermouth is rich and mostly spiced, and bianco is smoother and closer to a white vermouth. Ambrato and rose are primarily floral with bitter and citrus notes that stand out in modern cocktails.
Rosevale celebrates all types of vermouth with over 150 labels, and is proud to be the largest collector of vermouth in the world.
What’s the Difference Between Dry and Sweet Vermouth?
Dry and sweet vermouth are the most recognizable and classic styles, and for good reason.
Dry vermouth is crisp and light on the tongue and you can taste the herbal notes with some bitterness. Most people know dry vermouth because it’s used in a balanced martini.
Sweet vermouth is a richer experience and spiced with a slight sweetness. It is sometimes called Italian vermouth because of its popularity in the country, and it goes well with a Negroni or Manhattan.
Our unmatched variety of dry and sweet vermouths are curated from around the world. Our expert bartenders will help guide you based on what drinks you like, flavors you enjoy, and the mood you’re in.
How Is Vermouth Used in Cocktails?
Vermouth isn’t just a supporting player in the cocktails crafted at Rosevale; it’s the soul and star of some of the most popular cocktails in the world.
The bittersweet complexity of the negroni and the elegant pour of the martini are both examples of the balance, depth, and botanical intrigue vermouth adds to every pour.
While our staff appreciates the classics, our curiosity goes beyond the basics and we’ve featured vermouth in new and exciting ways. The Beyond The Walls cocktail is built around Fiero vermouth, chosen for its bold citrus and herbal notes.
What Vermouth Cocktails Can I Try at Rosevale?
At Rosevale, we believe in crafting cocktails that inspire curiosity and let you explore flavors you’ve never tried before. Beyond The Walls is our ode to adventure and it’s our signature vermouth-forward creation.
This one-of-a-kind cocktail blends Japanese vodka, Fiero vermouth, grapefruit, lemon, sparkling rosé, strawberry sake, and a hint of sakura blossom. The layered experience is bright and floral, with complex flavors swirling around your taste buds.
The Asian-inspired ingredients bring elegance and balance to the already curated cocktail menu at Rosevale.
What Exactly Is Vermouth?
Vermouth is technically a fortified wine that is infused with a blend of curated herbs, spices, roots, and botanicals.
It is an adventurous drink that you’ll never forget due to its floral and bitter notes. You could taste floral, citrus, earthy, and spiced flavors depending on the style you choose.
After flavoring, the wine used in vermouth is fortified with a neutral spirit, which ends up boosting the alcohol content and preserving the bold flavor.
Where Does Vermouth Come From?
Vermouth comes out of European history, and dates back to the 18th century. It was first crafted in Italy and France and, like most aperitifs, was developed originally for medicinal purposes.
It quickly evolved into the popular cocktail staple to become the heart of many old classic cocktails.
Italian vermouth is sweeter, bolder, and has spiced elements compared to the French version, which is drier, lighter, and more herbal-focused.
Over time, other countries began innovating their own styles and now vermouth is made all over the world.
Beyond Dry and Sweet: Exploring Other Vermouth Styles
Dry and sweet vermouth get all the attention, but you have many more options to explore at Rosevale.
Bianco is another of the main styles, and is clear or pale in color. It has a slightly sweet taste but it has a silky and floral finish.
Rose vermouth has the color you’d associate with rose wine and has light fruit notes with a refreshing bitterness.
At Rosevale, you can explore every major style in detail with over 150 labels to choose from.
What Does Vermouth Pair With?
The distinct flavors in vermouth make it a unique drink to pair with food. Thanks to the balance of sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and herbal notes, vermouth can pair better with savory snacks.
Briny oysters, olives, salty nuts, and soft cheeses all pair beautifully with dry vermouth because of its balanced herbal flavors. The bold and distinct taste can accentuate the flavors of cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami.
Sweet vermouth is an exceptional choice for pairing with spicy dishes, thanks to its sweetness that can offset any heat from the dish. It’s also a fantastic match with dessert items, such as dark chocolate or fruit tarts.
Can You Drink Vermouth on Its Own?
Vermouth doesn’t have to be an exclusive cocktail-only drink. It stands wonderfully on its own and because it has a lower alcohol content, it’s great for sipping during casual moments.
Most people actually use Vermouth to pour over ice cream to give the dessert a slight citrus twist.
A splash of soda water or tonic with vermouth can turn your drink into a refreshing spritz-style drink.
In Spain and Italy, it’s not uncommon to see people sipping vermouth with tapas, olives, and cured meats.
Why Rosevale Is the Ultimate Vermouth Bar
Explore your curiosity for vermouth with the largest collection in the world at Rosevale. We’ve created a destination for vermouth lovers with over 150 carefully curated labels. Every bottle has a story to tell and spans regions from all over the world. Rosevale is your unmatched opportunity to learn, try, and enjoy vermouth in a proper setting made to celebrate the spirit. Book your reservation today, and let your vermouth journey begin at Rosevale.