Why it matters
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.
Wines to know
The range in view
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.