March 2004

Aperitif

by Martina Priadka


Hey friends… Here we are, back together once again to have another wine moment. I am either going to disappoint you with this one or totally excite you. It depends on whether or not you enjoy or are willing to take a chance on something sweet, white and different than all the other girls. I hope you said yes because I really want someone to talk to right now.

We are not really talking wine here….exactly….but wine is the base. Can you say, Ah-peara-teef? Of course you can. And that is what we are talking about. Aperitif comes from the root word in latin meaning to open. The goal here is to stimulate you, get you interested and wet your appetite. This beautiful little aperitif, has a sweet, orange twist along with several other macerated fruits to become a light and lovely beverage which does just that.

Do you need another hint? It is French, the most popular aperitif in the U.S. and rhymes with “gamay”. Yes, you have it! Lillet! Lillet Blanc is made of sauvignon blanc, sémillion and muscadelle grapes. The wine is mixed with a blend of ten different fruits that have been cold-macerated in French brandy. Another very unusual quality of Lillet is that you can find it in both vintage and nonvintage. There is no other aperitif in the world that has a vintage offering.

I can’t think of a better way to start a meal or keep an evening going when you just can’t bear another glass of wine, no matter how much of a wine lover you are. If that is you, then why not indulge in a little white wine that has taken a bath in several different fruits and herbs to become intoxicatingly seductive. But don’t underestimate the quality of this little sweetheart. Just as much love is given to her by the French as the Grand Crus of Bordeaux. This sweet little number takes a nap for about six months in oak barrels and comes from a selection of very delicately chosen wines. When she awakens she greets the day with the same golden color as the sun shining in her face and smells of orange candy, mint, honey and lime. If that sounds nice just wait until you get a taste of her. The best way to appreciate such loveliness is to make sure she is chilled enough that you take notice then add a twist of orange. For those of you who can’t handle her naked, add a little ice to the mix. Either way, the taste will be on your tongue long enough to fully enjoy and keep you wanting just a little bit more! If you need something a little less dry you can always try her sister, Lillet Rouge. But trust me, Lillet Blanc is sure to satisfy almost every palate. She is that good!

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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