Cap Corse Mattei Blanc Quinquina
Cap Corse Mattei Blanc Quinquina is the original Corsican aromatized wine at 17% ABV in a 750mL bottle — an all-mistelle base of Corsican Vermentinu and Muscat Petit Grains, brightened with local cedrat (citron), and aromatized with cinchona bark (quinine) by the Mattei family in Bastia, Corsica — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 17% vol (one retailer outlier lists 18% — 17% is the verified consensus)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: quinquina — aromatized wine (aperitif); the Blanc is the ORIGINAL Mattei expression
- Base: all-mistelle of Corsican Vermentinu and Muscat Petit Grains + cedrat (citron)
- Aromatics: cinchona bark (quinine) + 30+ botanicals; macerated, aged, and bottled in-house
- Origin: Bastia, Corsica, France — founded 1872 by Louis-Napoléon Mattei; still family-owned
The Original: Brighter, Citrus-Driven, Unmistakably Mattei
Before the Rouge, there was the Blanc — the expression that started it all in 1872. Built on an all-mistelle base of Vermentinu and Muscat Petit Grains, it draws minerality, acidity, and floral lift from the grapes, with local cedrat adding citrus aroma and a silky texture. Where the Rouge goes dark and bittersweet, the Blanc stays bright: lemon zest, grapefruit, and white flowers over quinine bitterness. See the full L.N. Mattei range, or explore the store's aperitifs.
Tasting Notes
Lemon zest and grapefruit over white flowers and honeyed mistelle, with quinine bitterness for grip. Brighter and more citrus-forward than the Rouge — silky, floral, refreshing.
How to Enjoy
Chilled and neat as an aperitif; superb over ice with tonic and a lemon twist, or in a white Negroni variation. The brighter profile loves citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Mattei Blanc and Rouge?
Both are 17% quinquina aperitifs from the same Bastia house; the Blanc is brighter and citrus-floral (Vermentinu/Muscat + cedrat), the Rouge darker and bittersweet (cherry, plum, walnut, spice).
Which came first?
The Blanc is the original Mattei expression.
What is the ABV?
17% per the verified consensus (one retailer lists 18%).
Where is it made?
Bastia, Corsica, France — family-owned since 1872.
The Corsican original: order Cap Corse Mattei Blanc Quinquina online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.