Description
FULL DESCRIPTION
A fortified wine aperitif similar to vermouths, Lillet Rosé is crafted using a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes exclusively from the Bordeaux region as well as nine different macerations including red berries, quinine, sweet and bitter oranges. Each of the macerations takes three weeks and uses a neutral spirit. They are then carefully blended with the wine before being bottled directly to keep its freshness, opposed to being aged in oak like Lillet Blanc and Rouge.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Brilliant rose.
Nose: Light aromas of berries, orange blossom and grapefruit.
Taste: Fresh, lively fruit with a touch of dry acidity.
Finish: Long perfumed finish.
Overall: Vibrant 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. Lillet Rosé is an interesting addition to the range and works really well in lighter aperitif cocktails.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If the person you’re buying for is a fan of the Lillet Rosé, you could also try Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rouge 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 Craddock’s famous ‘hair of the dog cocktail’ 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 Rosé is made up of 85% Bordeaux Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes and 15% neutral spirit macerations. After blending, Lillet Rosé bottled immediately to retain its freshness.
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.
