Byrrh Grand Quinquina, Languedoc-Roussillon NV ($23.95) Buy Now: $19 special
“The Byrrh is a rarity in many ways. It is a quinquina (which uses chinchona bark for the bittering agent) that is red-wine based, whereas many red aperitifs are colored with caramel. Despite wide popularity before Prohibition, it is not typically imported into the US anymore, so we are excited to present it. It was originally created in 1866 in the Roussillon from Carignan and Grenache grapes. It shows rich notes of dried plums and cinnamon and has a full body and lush sweetness.” -Suzanne
Importer note: “Byrrh Grand Quinquina is made to the original late 19th century recipe that earned fame both in France and overseas. Its long legacy is also documented by a half century of magnificent poster art. This aperitif brings together cinchona (quinine), exotic spices and botanicals onto a base of mistilles and local Grenache, then rested in large oak barrels. Byrrh Grand Quinquina offers a lucious balance of ripe fruit and subtle spice. Delicious alone, or try in some of the old classic Byrrh drinks.”