Lillet Rouge Vermouth France Lillet Freres 17%

In 1962 Pierre Lillet looked to America and its growing taste for red wine. His answer was a full-bodied, dark aperitif with flavours of ripe berries and a gentle spiced warmth.

Expert's Description

Lillet Rouge Vermouth is a Red Vermouth from the Bordeaux region of France, made from a base of the Merlot grape, with an alcohol content of 17%.

The house of Lillet Frères was founded in Podensac south of Bordeaux in 1872 by brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet. Lillet Rouge was created in 1962 by Pierre Lillet, grandson of Raymond, to meet the growing American market for red wine-based drinks. Between 1990 and 1993 the recipe was refined with higher-quality base wines to give it a more complex flavour. Like the house's other aperitifs, Lillet Rouge is fortified with lemon and orange brandies and flavoured with cinchona bark, which gives it its characteristic bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Ripe dark fruits such as blackberry and plum, with depth and a touch of earthiness.

Palate

Full and balanced, with fresh orange, ripe berries, vanilla and delicate spices along with a light richness from the barrel ageing.

Finish

Soft and lightly sweet, with lingering notes of dark berries and a touch of wood and spice.

Specifications

Distillery: Lillet
Region: Podensac, Bordeaux, France
Type: Red Vermouth
ABV: 17%
Size: 75 CL
EAN No.: 3057230000277
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed chilled on the rocks with an orange slice, or as the base of cocktails.

Flavour Profile

Dark Berry · Spiced · Full-Bodied · Fruity · Rounded

Did you know?

Lillet Rouge was originally created in 1962 specifically for the American market, which at the time had a growing appetite for red wine-based drinks.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lillet Rouge Vermouth

What is Lillet Rouge Vermouth?

It is a Red Vermouth from the Bordeaux region, made from a base of the Merlot grape, with an alcohol content of 17%.

How should Lillet Rouge Vermouth be served?

It is best enjoyed chilled, on the rocks with an orange slice, or as the base of cocktails.

When was Lillet Rouge Vermouth created?

It was created in 1962 by Pierre Lillet for the American market and refined between 1990 and 1993.

What bottle size is Lillet Rouge Vermouth available in?

It is sold in a 75 CL bottle.

Does Lillet Rouge Vermouth need to be refrigerated after opening?

Yes, the bottle should be kept cool and dark after opening and enjoyed within a few weeks.

Who produces Lillet Rouge Vermouth?

It is produced by the French house Lillet in Podensac south of Bordeaux, which has been making aperitifs since 1872.

What gives Lillet Rouge Vermouth its bitterness?

The bitterness comes from cinchona bark, added together with lemon and orange brandies.

Which grape is used in Lillet Rouge Vermouth?

The base is predominantly Merlot, which gives it its full fruit and structure.