What's the difference between vermouth and Sherry?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
What is the difference between vermouth and sherry?
—Maria, Sydney, Australia
Dear Maria,
Both vermouth and Sherry are fortified wines (meaning that distilled spirits are added), but the biggest distinction is that vermouth is flavored or "aromatized" with aromatic herbs and spices, often giving it a medicinal quality. Vermouth is made in a variety of both sweetened and unsweetened styles. Sherry, from the Jerez region of Spain, is made only from grapes; it can be made in a variety of styles—some dry and pale, others dark, sweet and rich.
—Dr. Vinny
