Lillet Rouge 17 % is a traditional French wine aperitif from Podensac, near Bordeaux, made from carefully selected red wines from the Gironde region. Only red grapes are used in its production; Lillet specifically mentions Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are blended with the company’s own fruit macerates, which are produced in Podensac according to a traditional recipe. Cold-macerated oranges, sourced from Spain and Haiti amongst other places, play a central role in this process. The blend is complemented by a small amount of quinine. After blending, the Lillet Rouge is given additional time to mature in French oak barrels, allowing the individual components to blend harmoniously.

With an alcohol content of 17% in the 0.75-litre bottle, Lillet Rouge aperitif is designed both for drinking neat and for use in long drinks and cocktails. The house’s history dates back to 1872, when Paul and Raymond Lillet founded Maison Lillet Frères. The high wine content sets Lillet apart from traditional spirit-based aperitifs and makes proper storage essential: once opened, the bottle should be kept in the fridge and ideally consumed within three to four weeks. Lillet Rouge is also vegan, gluten-free and wheat-free. Its versatility – from a chilled aperitif to a Lillet Rouge and tonic, right through to various spritz variations – makes it a French classic for bars, terraces and social occasions.

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