Maison Lillet introduces Lillet Rosé

Published: 20 June, 2012

Bordeaux producer Maison Lillet has launched Lillet Rosé, its first new product for 50 years, which is being marketed as a fine wine rosé apéritif.

Distributed by Marblehead Brand Development, Lillet Rosé (rrp £20, abv 17%) is created from a blend of the red and white Grand Cru Bordeaux varieties used to produce Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge. It includes Muscatel grapes for a floral bouquet, Sauvignon Blanc for bright fruit characteristics, and Semillon to lend structure and length.

The wine is then married with artisanal liqueurs made from sweet orange peel from Spain and bitter orange peel from Haiti. A proprietary blend of fruit liqueurs and a small amount of Peruvian quinine is then added to the final blend.

Its rosé colour and taste profile are achieved by adding red fruit liqueurs and a very small amount of Lillet Rouge, using a traditional Champagne blending method to ensure a consistent colour.

It is aimed at summer drinking, to be served well chilled, over ice or in summer cocktails.

Dave Steward, Marblehead's business development director, said: "As part of
Marblehead's philosophy of unearthing treasures from the world of fine wine and spirits, we are delighted to be able to introduce Lillet Rosé to the UK market. Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge have filled a niche and are already very well respected in the trade, so we're looking forward to a similar success story for Lillet Rosé."

Maison Lillet was founded in 1872 in Podensac, Bordeaux, by brothers
Paul and Raymond Lillet.

Lillet Rosé is launching in Harvey Nichols and will be available in selected Majestic stores throughout the UK, as well as in the Dorchester, Coq d'Argent, Club Gascon, Baltic, and fine bars and restaurants throughout the UK.

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