Martini (vermouth)

Martini Logo

Martini is a brand of vermouth, an Italian fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. It is produced by the Martini & Rossi company in Turin, Italy. The brand is one of the most famous and widely distributed vermouths in the world.

History

The Martini brand was established in 1863 by Alessandro Martini, Luigi Rossi, and Teofilo Sola. The company initially focused on producing vermouth, a popular aperitif in Italy. Over the years, Martini & Rossi expanded its product line to include a variety of vermouths and sparkling wines.

Types of Martini Vermouth

Martini vermouth comes in several varieties, each with its unique flavor profile:

• Martini Rosso: The original vermouth, characterized by its rich, sweet flavor and deep red color.
• Martini Bianco: A lighter, sweeter vermouth with a pale color, often enjoyed with ice and a slice of lemon.
• Martini Extra Dry: A drier version of vermouth with a lighter color and a more subtle flavor.
• Martini Rosato: A blend of red and white wines, offering a unique pink hue and a balanced flavor profile.

Production Process

The production of Martini vermouth involves several key steps:

1. Wine Selection: High-quality wines are selected as the base for the vermouth. 2. Botanical Infusion: A blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and roots, is infused into the wine. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret. 3. Fortification: The wine is fortified with additional alcohol to increase its strength. 4. Aging: The vermouth is aged for a specific period to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Serving Suggestions

Martini vermouth can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Straight: Served chilled or over ice, often with a twist of lemon or orange.
• Cocktails: Used as a key ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Martini (cocktail), Negroni, and Manhattan.
• Aperitif: Served before meals to stimulate the appetite.

Related Pages

• Martini & Rossi
• Vermouth
• Martini (cocktail)
• Negroni
• Manhattan (cocktail)

See Also

• List of cocktails
• Italian cuisine
• Fortified wine