Martini Outlines Historical Roots of Vermouth

Martini has detailed the definition of vermouth and its extensive history, noting that EU regulations now define it as a product of at least 75% wine, to which sugar is added, which is fortified and flavored with distilled or infused plants, including species of the genus "Artemisia".

The name "Vermouth" itself originates from the German word "Wermouth", used to define "Artemisia Absinthium". The tradition of winemaking is ancient, rooted in Mediterranean cultures, with ancient Romans refining production techniques. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, these methods were largely forgotten in the West.

These techniques survived and evolved in the East, eventually being rediscovered in Italy from the 12th century. The practice of flavoring wines spread further with the publication of books from the 15th century. Flavored wines containing "Artemisia", known as "Wermouth", arrived in Turin in the latter half of the 18th century, leading to the creation of local versions. The "Vermouth de Turin" emerged due to the region's optimal conditions for growing grapes and herbs, combined with oenological expertise.

By the early 19th century, vermouth production techniques were perfected and scaled for industrial manufacturing. Turin also became a hub for social culture, popularizing the "aperitivo" moment. It was within this context that the MARTINI brand was founded in 1863 by Alessandro Martini, Teofilo Sola, and Luigi Rossi. The company's products have received global recognition for quality since 1865, with MARTINI & ROSSI accumulating over 500 medals.