🍷 Bitter aromatised wine
A type of EU aromatised wine with a clear herbal bitterness.
Bitter aromatised wine is a type of aromatised wine in the European Union with a noticeable bitterness from herbs. The base is ordinary wine to which herbs, roots and spices are added. Bitterness comes from ingredients such as gentian, wormwood and cinchona bark.
EU rules describe such drinks as a separate category of aromatised wines. They belong to the same family as vermouth and quinquina, a wine with cinchona bark. Italy has many such drinks, and the Italian aperitivo tradition made them known. A bitter taste stimulates appetite, so these drinks are served before a meal.
Strength is usually higher than in ordinary wine but lower than in liqueurs. They are served chilled, over ice or in cocktails. Bitter wine is a drink for small servings and does not replace ordinary wine. If the label says bitter, it is worth checking the ingredients, because herbal blends differ from producer to producer.
How it connects to Wine
🍷 Bitter aromatised wine → kind of → 🍷 Aromatised wine → kind of → 🍷 Types of wine → kind of → 🍷 Wine
Links
- Part of
- 🍷 Aromatised wine
- Where it is made
- 🗺️ Italian wine
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Quinquina
Frequently asked questions
What is bitter aromatised wine?
An aromatised wine flavoured with herbs that has a clear bitter taste.
How is it different from vermouth?
Vermouth is also aromatised wine, but bitter wine has a stronger bitterness.
When is it drunk?
Usually before a meal, chilled, over ice or in a cocktail.
Similar
🍷 Americano (aromatised wine) · 🍷 Vermouth · 🍷 Quinquina · 🍷 Sangria · 🍷 Mulled wine · 🍷 Abboccato
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.