Vermouth is actually an ancient drink using wine as a base and a variety of roots, herbs and spices, wormwood in particular. Wormwood was believed to treat stomach issues and intestinal parasites. The name Vermouth derives from the German Wermut (wormwood). Modern Vermouth, a fortified wine, is traditionally from the Turin area of Italy (think Cinzano), but France(Noilly Pratt) and other countries also have their own versions. Wormwood has been banned as a drink ingredient in many countries. In general Italian vermouth tends to be the sweeter red version and French vermouth the drier white version.
Vermouth
