NV L.N. Mattei Cap Corse Blanc Quinquina

Bright and bracing, L.N. Mattei Cap Corse Blanc Quinquina channels Corsican sun, sea breeze, and botanical lore into a single, luminous aperitif. It begins life as a mistelle of Vermentinu and Muscat Petit Grains, marrying grape juice with neutral spirit to preserve freshness, acidity, and floral character. Then comes the charm: macerations of cinchona bark (quinine), cedrat (Corsican citron), and a secret blend of local herbs and spices lend depth, bitterness, and aromatic intrigue. The effect is elegant—neither syrupy nor austere—but poised between gentle sweetness and herbaceous bite. Drink it simply over ice or stretched with tonic or soda; it also elevates when used as the bitter backbone in cocktails.

Nose: You’ll catch luminous citrus peel—cedrat and Meyer-lemon tones—dancing with fresh white florals and faint honeysuckle. A whisper of green herbs (sage, bay leaf) grazes the backdrop. Beneath it all lies a soft mineral spine, hinting at Corsica’s terroir.

Palate: The entry is crisp, with citrus curd and white grape brightness. Mid-palate reveals gentle quinine bitterness and warm spice—think cinnamon bark and gentian root—woven into herbaceous complexity. Floral whispers return (orange blossom, acacia) and a saline mineral note lingers.

Finish: Finishes with dry, clean bitterness—long, but not drying. The citrus peel returns in echo. Herbal and a touch of bitter root remain, balanced by an underlying savory minerality.

Pair with olives and prosciutto to match saltiness with its citrus-herb lift. Try grilled sea bream with lemon and thyme—the aperitif’s acidity plays beautifully. Serve alongside goat cheese crostini with lemon zest for bright contrast. Or use it in cocktails with gin or blanc spirits and pair with herb-crusted shrimp skewers—the botanicals will harmonize.