Aromatized wines consist of a base wine that has been infused with botanicals like herbs, fruits, spices, roots, or flowers. They usually start with a white wine, then the ingredients are added and allowed to steep, sometimes with the addition of alcohol, sugar, or grape must. They were first developed for medicinal purposes, mainly to treat stomach problems, but also to make the liquid more palatable in a time when inexpensive wines were not very tasty.
One of the most famous aromatized wines is vermouth, which is fortified with a neutral grape spirit and traditionally flavored with wormwood, herbs and spices. Most commonly used in cocktails like Martini and Manhattan, these wines can also be enjoyed on their own over ice before dinner or as an after-work refreshment.
Author: Maytte Rivera
