There is no doubt that, nowadays, vermouth is the aperitif par excellence. In our winery, we continue to produce it with the same artisanal process since 1940, using the original formula created by the founder of the winery. Specifically, it consisted of macerating wormwood, gentian and other selected herbs, which gives vermouth its unmistakable freshness and balanced aroma, between sweet and bitter.
Although vermouth is well known as a traditional drink, few know that it is one of the oldest drinks in the world, with more than two thousand years of history.
It is believed that vermouth originated in India more than two thousand years ago for medicinal purposes. Its use spread to Ancient Greece and, by the Middle Ages, it was popular throughout Europe, where it was known as “Hippocratic wine”, in honor of the famous philosopher Hippocrates, who supposedly discovered it during his experiments.
In the 19th century, vermouth was consumed hot or cold as a digestive tonic. It was in Italy that its production on an industrial scale began and the current name, derived from the German term “Wermut” (wormwood), was adopted. During the 20th century, the so-called “vermouth hour” established itself as a key moment before meals, as this drink not only quenches thirst, but also stimulates the appetite.
Today, vermouth has regained its popularity globally. In cities like New York, Hong Kong or London, there are bars specialized exclusively in this drink where it is served alone or mixed with gin, whiskey or rum to recreate the most traditional cocktails like the negroni or the Americano, so fashionable these days.
At Mamerto de la Vara, we have remained faithful to our traditional formula for more than 80 years. Our vermouth stands out for its intense aroma, with notes of anise, oregano, licorice, cinnamon and vanilla. In each sip you perceive, above all, authenticity.