Sunday, February 22, 2009

In Austria and on the Titanic

Bermet (BEAR-met) is an elegant dessert wine, produced according to recipes held secret by a handful of families in the town of Sremski Karlovci (see the sign on the van) in Vojvodina, Serbia, about 50 kilometers north of Belgrade. The red or white wine is sweet, usually between 16 and 18% alcohol, with a pleasant mixture of spices and herbs. Every family has its own recipe, so you won’t find two Bermet that are the same.

Bermet but can also be served as an aperitif. In the old days, Bermet was very popular among the aristocracy of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and the Viennese court purchased it in large quantities. Several varieties of Bermet were found on the Titanic's wine list on its maiden and ill-fated journey.

This lady has saved her customers the trouble by coming to Belgrade in her van and setting up a street stand.

8 comments:

Hilda said...

Mmm… sounds very interesting. I wonder if bermet's found its way to Manila. I hope I remember to ask next time I see a liqour store. Love the shape of the bottles on the left.
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raf said...

Thanks, Bibi, for another very interesting post. Had not heard of Bermet. Do enjoy a dessert wine later in the evening after a special meal.

Charlotte said...

I am relatively new to Belgrade and first tasted Bermet a few weeks ago. Now I'm looking for it everywhere! Where does this lady set up her stand?

Tash said...

I don't think I ever tried Bermet. Sounds delicious. I like the way the bottles look too.

I had an image after your umbrella in the snow post - Bibi carrying an umbrellan like a newspaper with a caption "Well you said you wanted me to carry one? Now what's wrong?"

Pat said...

Charlotte,

I came across this lady in Zemun along one of the side streets near the market on a Saturday. Maybe you could see what is available in one of the wine shops downtown.

Marie Reed said...

Bibi! That is fascinating that it was on the Titanic wine list too! I would love to try a little glass!

Marie-Noyale said...

Are a lot of the street in Belgrade covered with tiles like this one?..
I'll know what to order as a cocktail if I ever visit your town!

Pat said...

Hello, Marie-Noyale!

Regarding the tiles in the photo, they are actually part of a pedestrian street in Zemun, the community just adjacent to New Belgrade. They wouldn't hold up on a street that is constantly driven on, but are often seen on sidewalks!

SPRING FASHION

 This is a post that would be better in color, but maybe not. These colors were soooo pale.