The Aperitif Made in Spain
Surely you didn't know that one of the most sacred meals in Spain, the aperitif, dates back to the 5th century B.C., when Hippocrates, the most famous physician of antiquity, created a bitter wine-based drink flavored with wormwood and other herbs that he used in cases of lack of appetite to reopen the appetite. So it's over 25 centuries old!!!
Italy popularized it
Where else? The aperitif became an institution after, at the end of the 18th century,
Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented an aromatic wine with added quinine which he called
vermouth, and which was to be taken before a large meal to stimulate the appetite. And look at that — it became the preferred drink of kings and historical figures like
Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy. By the 19th century it had become a lifestyle popular among politicians and intellectuals of the time, who debated their ideas at bar counters while having alcoholic drinks accompanied by some food. That is how it spread across Europe, especially to France and, of course, Spain.
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The aperitif: something very Made in Spain… but it wasn't always like that[/caption]
Our aperitif, with Denomination of Origin
Today it is one of our hallmarks and a custom practiced almost daily in our country with its own characteristics. In France and Italy it is usually held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is normally accompanied by a buffet with several dishes to choose from, almost a dinner, whereas in Spain it takes place both before lunch and dinner, usually for a shorter time, and the drink is accompanied by a tapa — hence the term
ir de tapas, tapear.
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The aperitif: something very Made in Spain… but it wasn't always like that[/caption]
The aperitif and the tapa, the start of it all
Regarding the origin of the word tapa and going out for tapas, there are several legends in Spain and no single one defines it. The best-known is that
Alfonso X the Wise, in the 13th century, following his doctor's recommendations, began to notice that the glasses of wine he was offered sat better with something to eat, so he made a law that all taverns in Spain should serve something to eat alongside alcoholic beverages.
And where does the word
tapa come from? It is said that, while
Alfonso XIII was in a tavern in Cádiz, a gust of wind blew. To prevent the sea breeze from blowing sand into his glass, the waiter placed a slice of ham over the wine. When ordering another drink,
the king requested it, this time, "with a tapa".
For Made in Spain Gourmet it's an excuse to get together, chat, and have fun before a main meal, but always sharing good moments with our Spanish gourmet products.
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The aperitif: something very Made in Spain… but it wasn't always like that[/caption]
Shall we go for tapas?
The aperitif: something very Made in Spain… but it wasn't always like that
Our vermouth pairing recommendations