MARTINI Details History of Vermouth Production
Vermouth, legally defined in the EU as at least 75% wine flavored with botanicals, derives its name from the German word "Wermut" (wormwood).
The EU currently defines vermouth as a wine-based beverage, fortified and flavored with botanicals, with wormwood (Artemisia) being a mandatory ingredient. The drink's name originates from the German term "Wermut" for wormwood.
The practice of flavoring wine dates back to antiquity, with ancient Romans and Greeks enhancing wine with herbs and resins. While these techniques were largely forgotten in the West after the fall of Rome, they survived and evolved in the East.
In Italy, wine-making and aromatization techniques were rediscovered from the 12th century onwards. By the 15th century, the tradition of aromatized wines spread through printed books, becoming more refined over subsequent centuries. The use of Artemisia remained a common characteristic, leading to the term "Wermouth."
Arriving in Turin in the late 18th century, "Wermouth" became popular, leading to the development of "Vermouth of Turin" styles. By the mid-19th century, production techniques were industrialized, and Turin became a hub for the emerging "aperitivo" culture. It was within this environment that MARTINI was established in 1863 by Alessandro Martini, Teofilo Sola, and Luigi Rossi. The brand has received over 500 awards since 1865.