Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth

Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth is a 750ml, 15% ABV Italian dry vermouth infused with over 40 botanicals in Piedmont, Italy. Scored 90/100 by Tastings.com in March 2022 and 89/100 at the Decanter World Wine Awards, this expression distinguishes itself through Florentine orris root — iris roots grown for three years before being sun-dried — which lends a signature violet-scented tartness to the blend.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Piedmont, Italy  |  Style: Extra Dry Vermouth  |  Distillery: Martini & Rossi, Pessione

Production & Heritage

Martini & Rossi was founded in 1863 in Turin by Alessandro Martini and Luigi Rossi, and production remains rooted in the Piedmont region at their facility in Pessione, a small town just outside the city. The Extra Dry expression builds on a base of trebbiano wine sourced from Emilia Romagna and catarratto wine from Sicily, which is then fortified with neutral alcohol and infused with a proprietary botanical recipe. Among those 40-plus botanicals, Florentine orris root and raspberries play central roles, contributing the floral and fruit-driven profile that defines this vermouth. The brand is now part of the Bacardi Limited portfolio.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a delicate floral bouquet — think acacia and iris — before giving way to lighter notes of raspberry, peach melon, and orange hard candy. A faint undercurrent of dried herbs and cedar adds subtle complexity beneath the fruit.

Taste: On entry, crisp citrus — predominantly lemon — leads into a tart, fruit-forward mid-palate of raspberry and apple skin. As the vermouth develops, orris root emerges alongside gentle woody undertones and balanced acidity that keeps the palate lively and refreshing.

Finish: The finish is bright and clean, with moderate length. Lingering notes of citrus peel and a whisper of dried herbs trail off without bitterness.

How to Drink Martini Extra Dry

Chilled and served neat or over ice, this vermouth reveals its full botanical complexity, making it a rewarding aperitivo sipper on its own. It also serves as a foundational ingredient in several iconic cocktails. In a classic Dry Martini, its clean citrus and orris profile pairs seamlessly with London dry gin. A Reverse Martini — where vermouth takes the lead over a smaller measure of gin — showcases the wine's floral depth and balanced acidity. And in an El Presidente, the Extra Dry's tartness and herbal character balance the rum and curaçao with precision.

Best For

• Stocking a home cocktail bar with an essential dry vermouth
• Introducing a guest to quality Italian vermouth during an aperitivo hour
• Building classic gin-based cocktails like the Dry Martini or Gibson
• Warm-weather sipping served well-chilled or over ice with a lemon twist

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Martini Extra Dry taste like? Martini Extra Dry delivers crisp lemon citrus and tart raspberry upfront, followed by a distinctive floral orris note and apple skin, all carried by balanced acidity. The finish is bright, clean, and moderately dry with a trace of dried herbs.

How does Martini Extra Dry compare to Noilly Prat Original Dry? Both are widely available dry vermouths owned by Bacardi Limited, but they differ meaningfully in character — Noilly Prat Original Dry undergoes an extended oxidative aging process in oak casks exposed to the elements in southern France, producing a richer, nuttier profile. Martini Extra Dry leans lighter and more floral, with its Piedmontese botanical blend emphasizing orris, citrus, and fruit over oak-driven weight.

Is Martini Extra Dry good for cocktails? Martini Extra Dry is one of the most widely used dry vermouths in cocktail making, prized for its clean, balanced profile that integrates easily into gin- and vodka-based drinks. It works especially well in a classic Dry Martini, where its citrus and floral notes complement rather than overpower the base spirit.

Where is Martini Extra Dry made? Martini Extra Dry is produced at the Martini & Rossi facility in Pessione, a small town near Turin in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. The wine base combines trebbiano grapes from Emilia Romagna and catarratto grapes from Sicily.

What foods pair well with Martini Extra Dry? Its crisp acidity and herbal character make it a natural companion for briny oysters and other raw shellfish. Mild, creamy cheeses like burrata or fresh mozzarella contrast nicely with the vermouth's citrus brightness. Green olives and crudités echo its savory, herbaceous side, while light seafood dishes such as ceviche or shrimp cocktail complement its tartness without competing for attention.

What sizes does Martini Extra Dry come in? Martini Extra Dry is commonly available in 375ml, 750ml, and 1L bottles, with the 750ml being the standard retail size.

Is Martini Extra Dry worth the price? Martini Extra Dry positions firmly in the value tier of dry vermouths, making it one of the most accessible options in the category. With a 90/100 score from Tastings.com and recognition from the Decanter World Wine Awards, it delivers quality well above its price point for both mixing and casual sipping.

Why Martini Extra Dry?

The defining feature of this vermouth is its use of Florentine orris root — iris roots cultivated for three years and then sun-dried — a botanical that gives the expression its signature violet-scented tartness found in few competitors at this price. Backed by a 90/100 from Tastings.com and an 89/100 from the Decanter World Wine Awards, it has earned critical recognition that validates its quality beyond its accessible positioning. With a heritage stretching back to 1863 and production still anchored in Piedmont's vermouth heartland, it draws on one of Italy's most storied aromatized-wine traditions. Few dry vermouths deliver such a well-defined botanical identity paired with genuine versatility behind the bar.