A Bordeaux wine-based aperitif with Blanc, Rosé, and Rouge profiles and a 1985 recipe change.
The producer
Maison Lillet began in Podensac in 1872, when Paul and Raymond Lillet founded the house. Kina Lillet followed in 1887 as a white wine-based aperitif made from Bordeaux wines. A 1985 reformulation reduced quinine and sugar, and Kina Lillet was discontinued in 1986 as Lillet Blanc. Blanc brings candied oranges, honey, and pine resin; Rosé brings berries, orange blossom, and grapefruit; Rouge brings ripe dark fruits, fresh oranges, berries, vanilla, and delicate spices.
Known for
Bordeaux wine-based aperitif
Notable facts
Kina Lillet was created in 1887 as a white wine-based aperitif from Bordeaux wines.
The 1985 reformulation reduced quinine and sugar, and Kina Lillet was discontinued in 1986.
Lillet Blanc is composed of Sémillon, with notes of candied oranges, honey, and pine resin.
From the atlas
Maison Lillet
A Podensac house founded by Paul and Raymond Lillet in 1872, making a wine-based aperitif from Bordeaux wines and macerated liqueurs.
At A Glance
Origin
Podensac, Bordeaux-Gironde
Founded
1872
Category
Wine-based aperitif
Recipe
85% Bordeaux wines, 15% macerated liqueurs
Variants
Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rosé, Lillet Rouge
The Producer
Paul and Raymond Lillet founded Maison Lillet in Podensac in 1872. In 1887, the house created Kina Lillet, a white wine-based aperitif made from Bordeaux wines.
The recipe is 85% Bordeaux wines and 15% macerated liqueurs. Those liqueurs are predominantly citrus-based, with peels of sweet oranges from Spain and Morocco and bitter green oranges from Haiti.
A 1985 reformulation reduced quinine and sugar. Kina Lillet was discontinued in 1986, and the product became Lillet Blanc.
Wines
Lillet Blanc is composed of Sémillon, with notes of candied oranges, honey, and pine resin.
Lillet Rosé blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sémillon, with aromas of berries, orange blossom, and grapefruit.
Lillet Rouge blends Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of ripe dark fruits, fresh oranges, berries, vanilla, and delicate spices.
Final Word
Maison Lillet combines 85% Bordeaux wines with 15% macerated liqueurs, following a 1985 reformulation that reduced quinine and sugar.