Vermouth: a tradition with a Mediterranean flavour
Do you know the origins of vermouth?
Vermouth is much more than just a drink; it is a symbol of conviviality and Mediterranean identity. It is a tradition that combines a taste for wine with the wisdom of aromatic herbs.
In ancient Greece and Rome, wines were mixed with spices and herbs to preserve them better and for medicinal reasons.
Hippocrates recommended drinking wine with wormwood to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion. In the Middle Ages, monks and apothecaries continued the tradition of flavouring wines with plants to cure or prevent disease. Over time, this practice shifted from the medical field to gastronomic pleasure.
What vermouth is produced on the Costa Dorada?
Reus – The vermouth capital
The first vermouth producers set up in Reus at the end of the 19th century, and there were eventually more than 30 producers exporting to Europe and Latin America. Brands such as Yzaguirre, Padró and Miró were created between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
Reus vermouth is characterised by its balance between sweet and bitter, with notes of Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, nutmeg and orange peel.
Where to enjoy a vermouth on the Costa Dorada?
- At the port of Cambrils, anchovies with a chilled white vermouth
- Reus Vermouth Museum: a free visit to a private collection that explains why Reus is the vermouth capital.
- Visit the Casa Padró or Yzaguirre wineries: unique experiences to discover the secrets of how vermouth is made.
- In the Sarrallo neighbourhood of Tarragona, where you’ll find bars serving homemade vermouths and a seaside atmosphere.
What foods go best with vermouth?
The best time to drink vermouth is before lunch, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This means we can combine lighter options with more substantial ones… Sometimes, vermouth can even replace a meal.
Some of our recommendations are:
Cheese platter
Crisps with olives
Canned seafood
Spanish omelette
Bread with tomato and anchovies
Andalusian-style squid
Vermouth time is more than just going out for a drink, it’s about getting together with friends, having a snack and sharing some leisurely time together. ‘Anar a fer el vermut’ (going out for vermouth) is an institution.
At our hotels in Cambrils, you’ll find it in the bar.
Would you like to join us for a vermouth?
Photos: Canva and @lagatamaulavermuteria