Tenerife vermouth wins the gold medal

Origin of vermouth and its aristocratic history

Vermouth has its roots in Italy, where it was born in the late 18th century thanks to Antonio Benedetto Carpano. This distiller created a unique blend of sweet wine with herbs and spices that gave rise to the first modern vermouth.

It soon became a favorite of the Italian royalty. Due to its proximity to the Royal Palace, Carpano was able to offer his product to King Vittorio Amedeo III, who adopted it as part of court habits.

Over time, famous figures such as Cavour, Giuseppe Verdi, and Massimo D'Azeglio also became admirers of this aromatic wine, reinforcing its elegant and exclusive image.

Canarian vermouth and international gold

In Tenerife, vermouth has found fertile ground. In 2021, the white vermouth from Bodegas Comarcal Valle de Güímar won the gold medal at the prestigious Vinduero/Vindouro competition, with a score of 92.80.

I had the opportunity to talk with Pedro Lorenzo Díaz Perdomo, the winemaker responsible for this wine jewel, about how this initiative came about and what makes it special.

From the vineyards to vermouth – Interview with Pedro Lorenzo

Pedro became interested in wine from a young age. At 16, he worked in a winery during the harvest, and since then he has continued to learn. Seven years ago, he decided to study enology to create unique wines in his own style.

The idea of vermouth came from the enologist of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Francisco Calixto Zerpa. They wanted to innovate and diversify local production. After years of research, they managed to balance the base wine with native herbs, launching their first vermouth in 2019.

What makes the vermouth from Güímar unique?

This vermouth mainly uses Artemisia canariensis, a medicinal plant typical of the Canary Islands. Its aromatic and digestive profile makes it a key ingredient. Additionally, it is based on a fruity white wine, characteristic of the Güímar Denomination of Origin.

Its presentation is also special: the blue label and the bottle recall the traditional fruity style of the winery, reinforcing the visual identity.

How to enjoy vermouth

It can be enjoyed on its own, with ice, olives, and lemon, or accompanied by tapas such as cold cuts, cheeses, nuts, or omelette. Ideal as an appetizer.