The heritage of this beloved beverage dates back to 1872 in the Graves region of Bordeaux France. It was the only wine aperitif of the region blended with fruit macerations, at that time called Kina Lillet. The name Lillet comes from the ancestors of the merchants who came to the area in the 1600s.
In the early 1900s Lillet became a mark of sophistication at high profile parties and special occasions, particularly in the American market. The popularity of the beverage continued throughout the 20th century, bringing with it the addition of Lillet Rouge, a richer product than the original Lillet Blanc, made with a base of red wine, followed by Lillet Rosé in the early 21st century.
Today Lillet in all of its forms continues to be an integral part of the craft bar culture in the United States and beyond. The complex yet delicate flavor profile makes it a versatile product for sipping on its own and mixing with other ingredients. With scores ranging from 92 to 94 Points, all of the varieties have performed well in previous Ultimate Wine Challenge competitions.
