Vermouth Spain: Taste a deliciously rich cultural experience

Vermouth in Spain is typically served in bars and restaurants as an aperitif before or after lunch to help build up a healthy appetite. It is common to see flocks of friends gathered around a table on a Sunday, sipping vermouth and sampling a selection of freshly prepared tapas before heading on to the big, traditional Sunday lunch. Yet, not all vermouth Spain produces is the same.

There are different types of vermouth, but the vermouth you’ll most commonly find in Spain is sweet and red, very different from the dry vermouth that you’re probably used to.

But did you know that all vermouth starts out life as wine? The colour comes from the caramel and spices it’s infused with. Various spices are used, like cloves, cardamom and cinnamon, and no two vermouth recipes will be quite the same. The alcohol content of sweet vermouth is about 15%, so be sure to treat it with respect.

Catalan vermouth is generally served from bottles, but in Madrid you’ll find the best vermouth is on tap, or de grifo.But how do you drink vermouth in Spain, I hear you cry? It’s normally enjoyed straight or on the rocks, with a slice of orange or lemon, but people sometimes add a dash of carbonated water.

If you’re curious about vermouth’s history, then you’ll be interested to know that the drink was introduced to the small town of Reus in Catalonia in the 19th century by the Italians. It wasn’t long before dozens of vermouth producers had popped up there, with the town once being home to 30 producers at once. By the 20th century, everyone from all walks of life enjoyed the occasional glass of vermouth as a pre-dinner treat. In the 1970s, this trend diminished with the vermouth Spain drank being replaced by beer or other refreshing beverages. 

Today, Catalonia is famed for producing what is arguably known as the best Spanish vermouth which can be enjoyed across the entire country. Catalan vermouth is generally served from bottles, but if you are visiting Madrid you’ll find the best vermouth is on tap, or de grifo. But how do you drink vermouth in Spain, I hear you cry. It’s normally enjoyed straight or on the rocks, with a slice of orange or lemon, but people sometimes add a dash of carbonated water. Vermouth is growing in popularity once again, so whether you're a seasoned vermouth aficionado or a newcomer to this delicious drink, a visit to Spain wouldn't be complete without experiencing the unique flavours and history of vermouth.

There are two main types of vermouth Spain is known to drink: sweet vermouth and dry vermouth. The sweet version is also known as red vermouth and is traditionally made from a base of red or white wine which has been infused with botanicals such as cinnamon or vanilla. It typically contains a higher amount of sugar which gives it its rich, sweet taste. The Spanish white vermouth is known to be drier in taste and is elaborated with a base of white wine infused with chamomile, coriander and other herbs. Aside from these two key varieties of vermouth, there are others that can be found in Spain including the semi-sweet vermouth which is a delicious blend of sweet and dry vermouth.

Vermouth has been regaining ground in recent years. Drinking vermouth as an aperitif never actually fell entirely out of fashion, but it’s only in recent years that young people have started reembracing this Spanish tipple. It’s become quite the trend, with shiny new vermuterias popping up alongside the classic taverns that have been serving this stuff for centuries. Some people chalk that up to how affordable it is, meaning bar-goers whose pockets are still feeling the effects of the crisis can treat themselves to a pre-lunch or afternoon drink without breaking the bank.

An aperitif or aperitivo is meant to be a drink that cleanses the palate, works up an appetite and helps with digestion, perfect for getting you ready for the meal ahead. So, if you want to do it the Spanish way, order yourself a vermouth when you’re gearing up for a big Spanish Sunday lunch. Not to worry, though, if you’re not in Spain on a Sunday you can still enjoy a vermouth or two on any afternoon of the week. After all, Vermouth is Spanish for a long, lazy afternoon.

All across the Iberian Peninsula, there are many places where you can enjoy the vermouth Spain is famous for. Yet, the most common places to sip on the best vermouth Spain has to offer are the two main cities, Barcelona and Madrid along with a string of coastal towns and cities. 

Most vermouth bars serve glasses of the good stuff with a small, free tapa, which might be olives, bread and cheese or crisps. Whatever it is, chances are it will be salty to set off the sweetness of the drink. If you’re lucky enough to visit Granada or travel to Almeria, Andalusia, the tradition of a free tapa is still going strong, so you’ll either be presented with or get to choose a small dish to accompany your vermouth.

For real fans, Reus, a city in Catalonia, hosts the Vermouth and Aperitif Fair every year, where you can sample a wide range of vermouth styles, including sweet vermouth. Meet producers and mingle with other aficionados as you get to discover the rich and intense flavours of artisan vermouth. 

If you want to try more varieties of vermouth that Spain is famous for, book a holiday to Valencia. Home to Bodega Montaña, a historic winery that has been producing vermouth for over 130 years, Valencia’s coastal landscape allows you to soak up the sun, take in the salty sea breeze and leisurely sip on a glass of sweet vermouth. Sounds like an ideal holiday plan, right? 

One of the famous vermouth wineries in Spain is located in Tarragona, in the northeastern region of Catalonia. Yzaguirre, a family-run business, has been producing vermouth since 1884. If you are planning on visiting Barcelona, a trip to this winery makes for a wonderful day trip. Tour the facilities and travel back in time to learn how vermouth was made over the centuries. Then, with your newly gained knowledge, enjoy a tasting of their various vermouth varieties and see if you have a favourite. 

One of the famous vermouth wineries in Spain is located in Tarragona, in the northeastern region of Catalonia. Yzaguirre, a family-run business, has been producing vermouth since 1884. If you are planning on visiting Barcelona, a trip to this winery makes for a wonderful day trip. Tour the facilities and travel back in time to learn how vermouth was made over the centuries. Then, with your newly gained knowledge, enjoy a tasting of their various vermouth varieties and see if you have a favourite. 

Miró: This brand from Reus, Catalonia, is one of the oldest in the country. Their vermouths are elaborated using an “old formula” and closely guarded family recipes that delight the palate of vermouth drinkers across the world. Some may argue that they produce the best Spanish sweet vermouth- but we will leave that for you to decide.

González Byass: González Byass is best known for its sherry, but they do a mean vermouth, too. Using rediscovered ancestral methods of making vermouth that have been a family secret since 1896, this winery creates Jerez vermouth like nobody else.

Yzaguirre: As mentioned previously, Yzaguirre is a family-owned company that has been producing vermouth since 1884. Their selection of red, white, and rosé vermouths are extremely popular. Did you know that their red vermouth is made with a blend of Macabeo and Garnacha grapes and is infused with over 80 different botanicals?

Casa Mariol: Based in Catalonia, this producer has been creating vermouth since 1945 with their red and white vermouths earning national prestige. Their red vermouth is especially popular and is made with a blend of Macabeo and Garnacha grapes, and is infused with a mix of botanicals, including cinnamon, wormwood, and clove.