Lillet - Rouge 750ml

About this gift

Formulated in 1962 using a base of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced across Bordeaux, Lillet Rouge integrates local red wine structure with traditional French spirit macerations. The winemaking team steeps sweet Spanish orange peel, bitter Haitian orange peel, and South American cinchona bark directly in neutral fruit spirits before fortifying the wine base. Unlike heavy Italian red amari that rely on high residual sugar and dense botanical bitterness, this French aperitif delivers a lighter 17% ABV profile driven by juicy red grape acidity, subtle spice, and clean cinchona bitterness.

Dense dark berry fruit opens the nose alongside ripe plum, fresh orange peel, and subtle baking spice. The palate carries a medium weight with a silky, wine-like texture, delivering ripe blackberry, candied orange zest, and vanilla bean before resolving into a crisp, mouthwatering finish. In-house testing at USQ showed that its vinous texture bridges spirit and citrus seamlessly; our team recommends building a Lillet Rouge Spritz by combining 2 oz Lillet Rouge and 1 oz fresh orange juice over ice in a wine glass, topped with 2 oz chilled dry prosecco and finished with an orange slice.