For awhile, I was under the impression that sweet vermouth and Marsala, both fortified wines, were very similar. Well, tonight, I will put that myth to rest as I do a side-by-side comparative taste test.
Marsala
Darker in color, it smells like a rich, red wine. Slightly sweet in flavor, with a hint of nuts and raisins, it leaves the palate with a distinct mushroom-y unami flavor.
Sweet Vermouth
Lighter in color, it smells of oregano. One might say the smell reminds them of spaghetti sauce. Sweeter, and more raisin-y, it leaves the palate with a very slight mushroom-y flavor.
Marsala
Darker in color, it smells like a rich, red wine. Slightly sweet in flavor, with a hint of nuts and raisins, it leaves the palate with a distinct mushroom-y unami flavor.
Sweet Vermouth
Lighter in color, it smells of oregano. One might say the smell reminds them of spaghetti sauce. Sweeter, and more raisin-y, it leaves the palate with a very slight mushroom-y flavor.