Cap Corse Mattei Rouge 'Quinquina
Cap Corse Mattei Rouge Quinquina is a Corsican aromatized wine at 17% ABV in a 750mL bottle — Corsican mistelle of Muscat and Vermentinu grapes, fortified and aromatized with cinchona bark (quinine), walnuts, and 30+ botanicals by the Mattei family in Bastia, Corsica — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 17% vol
- Size: 750mL
- Style: quinquina — aromatized wine (aperitif), not a liqueur
- Base: Corsican mistelle (fresh grape must) of Muscat and Vermentinu, fortified with neutral grape spirit
- Aromatics: cinchona bark (quinine) + walnuts + 30+ local and exotic botanicals and spices; all maceration, aging, and bottling done in-house
- Origin: Bastia, Corsica, France — founded 1872 by Louis-Napoléon Mattei; still family-owned
Corsica's Bittersweet Aperitif Since 1872
In 1872, Corsican merchant Louis-Napoléon Mattei returned from a Caribbean voyage with cinchona bark and a discovery — quinine's bitterness married beautifully with Corsican wine. The Rouge is the darker, bittersweet expression of that idea: mistelle fortified and steeped with quinine, walnuts, and more than thirty botanicals, all macerated, aged, and bottled in-house in Bastia. Bittersweet, dark-fruited, and unmistakably Corsican. Explore more from L.N. Mattei, or browse the store's aperitifs.
Tasting Notes
Dark cherry and plum over cinnamon and bitter orange, with quinine bitterness anchoring the finish. Bittersweet and warming — walnut depth under the spice.
How to Enjoy
Traditionally served chilled and neat as an aperitif; excellent over ice with tonic or soda, or in a Boulevardier in place of sweet vermouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quinquina?
An aromatized wine flavored with cinchona bark (quinine) — a French aperitif category, distinct from vermouth.
Is Cap Corse Mattei Rouge sweet?
It is bittersweet — the mistelle base brings fruit sweetness, balanced by quinine bitterness.
What is the ABV?
17% — a fortified aromatized wine, not a spirit. (Ignore marketplace listings claiming 42%; that is a copy error.)
Where is it made?
Bastia, Corsica, France — by the Mattei family, in business since 1872.
Corsica in a glass: order Cap Corse Mattei Rouge Quinquina online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.