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Wines

Vermouth

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • Aromatized
  • White • Medium
  • 15–20% ABV
  • Medium body
  • Medium sweetness
  • medium-high acidity

At a Glance

15–20%ABV
MediumSweetness
medium-highAcidity
MediumTannin
MediumBody
18°CServe

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Vermouth?

A fortified wine-based aperitif, flavored with botanicals and often used in cocktails.

Taste profile

Medium sweetnessmedium-high acidityMedium tanninsMedium bodyBotanicalHerbalBitterSweet
Botanical(high)Herbal(high)Bitter(medium)Sweet(low)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: Aromatized
  • ABV range: 15–20%
  • Medium body
  • Medium sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
Medium
Sweetness
Medium
Acidity
medium-high
Tannin
Medium
  • Botanical · high intensity — Vermouth commonly shows botanical aromatics.
  • Herbal · high intensity — Vermouth is aromatized with herbs and botanicals.
  • Bitter · medium intensity — Vermouth can show bitter aperitif character.
  • Sweet · low intensity — Some vermouth styles show noticeable sweetness.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

Grape & region

Region(s)
Piedmont, Chambery, Marseille
Country
Italy / France

How to serve

Serving temperature
18°C
Glassware
White wine glass

Dietary

How Vermouth fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

Alternatives to try

Reviewed style alternatives

Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.

Frequently asked questions

What is Vermouth?
A fortified wine-based aperitif, flavored with botanicals and often used in cocktails.
What does Vermouth taste like?
Vermouth is often described as Botanical, Herbal, Bitter, Sweet. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Vermouth?
Vermouth pairs well with Bar Snacks, Cheese Board, Small Plates, Tapas. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Vermouth?
Vermouth typically has an ABV of 15–20%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Vermouth?
Vermouth works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Vermouth?
If you enjoy Vermouth, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Vermouth improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Vermouth depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Vermouth with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

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Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.