Lillet’s first new product for 50 years comes to UK

Marblehead Brand Development has brought Maison Lillet’s first new product for 50 years, Lillet Rosé, to the UK.

Maison Lillet was founded in 1872 in Podensac, Bordeaux by brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet and produces a Lillet Blanc and Rouge.

The rosé is created from a blend of the red and white wines used to produce Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge, including Muscatel, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

The wine is then mixed with artisanal liqueurs made from sweet orange peels from Spain and bitter orange peels from Haiti, and a blend of fruit liqueurs, sourced near and produced in Maison Lillet’s distillery.

A small amount of Peruvian quinine is then added to the final blend.

Its rosé colour and taste profile are achieved by adding red fruit liqueurs and a very small amount of Lillet Rouge.

Lillet Rosé has an abv of 17% and an rrp of £20 in the UK.

The new addition is launching in Harvey Nichols and will be available in selected Majestic Stores throughout the UK, as well as in The Dorchester, Coq d’Argent, Club Gascon and Baltic among other bars and restaurants in the UK.

The rosé has already been introduced to the US market and is being distributed in the UK by Marblehead Brand Development.

Dave Steward, Marblehead’s business development director, commented: “As part of Marblehead’s philosophy of unearthing treasures from the world of fine wine and spirits, we are delighted to be able to introduce Lillet Rosé to the UK market.

“Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge have filled a niche and are already very well respected in the trade, so we’re looking forward to a similar success story for Lillet Rosé,” he added.

Marblehead Brand Development’s brands include Hangar One Vodka, Kraken Spiced Rum, and Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila, as well as the full Lillet range.