Mattei Cap Corse "Le Seul Vrai" Quinquina Rouge 750ml

Mattei Cap Corse "Le Seul Vrai" Quinquina Rouge is the iconic, original aperitif of Corsica, first crafted in 1872 by Louis-Napoléon Mattei. This historic fortified wine is built upon a base of mistelles—unfermented grape must from local Muscat and Vermentinu varieties—fortified with neutral spirit to retain natural sweetness. To this base, a secret maceration of aromatic plants is added, including cinchona bark (quinine) for its characteristic bitterness, local citron (cédrat), and earthy walnuts. The "Le Seul Vrai" (The Only True One) designation distinguishes this accessible, sweeter original recipe from the more intensely bitter "Grande Réserve" edition.

 

On the nose, this rust-red aperitif is highly aromatic, offering a rich bouquet of red berries, dried figs, and orange peel accented by floral notes of honeysuckle and elderflower. The palate is medium-bodied and bittersweet, where the natural honeyed sweetness of the grapes and light caramel are balanced by a "muscular" quinine bitterness and a current of complex herbs like rosemary. It transitions through layers of cherry, plum, and warm spices, eventually finishing with a signature dry, long-lasting bitterness characterized by notes of cinchona, walnut hulls, and a touch of earthiness.