GG_N49_ESP

PERUCCHI WAS THE FIRST VERMOUTH
CREATED IN SPAIN IN 1876
AT THE TURN OF THE 20 TH CENTURY,
VERMOUTH WAS EXTREMELY POPULAR IN SPAIN
“Although international sales have increased since 2008”, recounts Juncosa, “sales
have always remained more or less stable in Spain, where the vermouth culture
is well-established”. The tradition is now being exported, according to Bodega De
Muller, to the United States, Australia, Ecuador and even Cameroon!
PERUCCHI, THE PIONEER
“In the mid-19 th century, Augustus Perucchi was the first to produce vermouth in
Spain”, says the company’s co-owner Alex Soler. Since then, little has changed within
the walls of the bodega, which is located in Badalona, not far from Barcelona. Modern
labelling and bottling machines have superseded the techniques of yesteryear, but
the antique boilers and barrels are still there. Most importantly, the recipe has not
changed either. “It is the company’s most highly guarded secret”, quips Soler.
To make the tradition even more relevant, each bottle of Perucchi contains a small
percentage of vermouth that is over 150 years old. The company’s hand-crafted
vermouths are made from natural ingredients and guaranteed to be preservative
and antioxidant-free. More than 50 varieties of herbs, fruits and roots are used for
the maceration process. “It’s all about balancing these ingredients,» explains Soler.
The slightest change in proportions would break up the harmony of flavour.
Though mindful of tradition, the company also moves with the times and makes a
point of using environmentally-friendly materials, particularly its cork stoppers with
wooden heads. And as an added guarantee of quality, Perucchi is a purveyor to the
Spanish royal family...
108 AUTUMN 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE