Description
FULL DESCRIPTION
A fortified wine aperitif similar to vermouths, Lillet Rouge is crafted using a blend of Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes exclusively from the Bordeaux region as well as seven different macerations including sweet oranges, bitter oranges and quinine. Each of the macerations takes three weeks and uses a neutral spirit. They are then carefully blended with the wine and aged for three to four months in French oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Deep ruby.
Nose: Notes of very ripe dark fruits.
Taste: Fresh orange, berries, vanilla and delicate spices.
Finish: Supple tannins of ripe berries.
Overall: Well rounded wine based aperitif.
Gift
Lillet has been a prominent ingredient in every generation of cocktail recipes, except perhaps the disco-drinks era, earning its spot as a ‘must-stock’ for cocktail bars world-round.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If the person you’re buying for is a fan of the Lillet Rouge, you could also try Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rose or Rinquinquin.
Connoisseur
The original Kina Lillet was included in the now cult Corpse Reviver No 2. Equal parts gin, kina lillet, triple sec, lemon juice and absinthe. Harry CraddockŐs famous Ôhair of the dog cocktailŐ spurred the quote; “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”
DISTILLERY
Maison Lillet
ABOUT THE DISTILLERY
Raymond and Paul Lillet created Lillet Blanc in 1887 in Podensac, 30km south of Bordeaux and is known as the first white wine aperitif created in France. Originally know as Kina-Lillet in Europe, referring to the quinine essential ingredient in Lillet, and Lillet in the USA. In 1970 the brand uniformed the name and called it Lillet for every market.
ABOUT THE LIQUID
Lillet Rouge is crafted using a blend of Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes exclusively from the Bordeaux region as well as seven different macerations including sweet oranges, bitter oranges and quinine.
INGREDIENTS
Vegan-friendly, Lillet is a blend of rigorously selected wines and fruit liqueurs, aged in oak vats for around 12 months, during which it is given the same care as the Grands Crus (great wines) of Bordeaux.
