Preparation of the base wine

The base wine is prepared from grape juice or concentrate as for normal dry table wines (Amerine et ah, 1980 Jackson, 2008). The essential requirements of the base wine are that the wine be sound, neutral-flavored, and inexpensive (Joshi et ah, 2011a,b). For example, wine prepared largely from Ugni Blanc in Emilia is popular for Italian vermouths. The wine is fairly neutral in flavor with 10-11% (v/v) alcohol and low acidity (05-0.6%). 

Many Italian producers use refined beet sugar for sweetening, whereas in France mistelas (fortified grape must) is preferred. Caramel is an important constituent where color intensification is desired and is prepared carefully for that purpose (Goswell and Kunkee, 1977). In American vermouth, wine of higher natural acidity is used. 

FIGURE 8.1 Basic processes involved in the preparation of vermouth. 

---