Vermouth de Chambéry

In 1821, when this Vermouth first saw the light of day, Chambéry was still part of the Duchy of Savoy, with Turin as its capital. Joseph Chavasse, an apothecary (pharmacist) and doctor, had visited Turin where Vermouth was invented in 1780. He was so intrigued by the new drink that increased the appetite that he was inspired to create his own Vermouth recipe, using 30 alpine botanicals.

At one point in the mid 1800s, when Vermouth de Chambéry was the toast of Paris, there were eight companies making Vermouth.

Sales fell off when the French started going on holiday in the 20th century and discovered pastis and whisky. Today only two Vermouth makers in Chambéry are still in business: Dolin and Routin, but they are enjoying a renaissance with the growing interest in serious cocktails.