Bonal Gentiane Quina
Bonal Gentiane Quina is a French gentian apéritif at 16% ABV in a 750mL bottle — made by Maison Dolin near the French Alps since 1865, a mistelle base infused with yellow gentian root, cinchona bark, orange, and Chartreuse-mountain herbs — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 16% vol
- Size: 750mL (a 700mL European format also exists — confirm on the shelf bottle)
- Base: mistelle (partially fermented grape juice fortified with spirit)
- Botanicals: yellow gentian root, cinchona bark (quinine), orange, proprietary Grande Chartreuse mountain herbs
- History: created 1865; nicknamed "ouvre l'appétit" (key to the appetite); early Tour de France sponsor
- Producer: Bonal, made by Maison Dolin, Chambéry, Savoie, France
"Ouvre l'Appétit" Since 1865
Bonal's nickname — "ouvre l'appétit," the key to the appetite — has described it since 1865, when a pharmacist studying alpine plants near Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (or a former Chartreux monk, depending on the telling) first infused yellow gentian and quinine into mistelle. It became the sportsman's apéritif and an early Tour de France sponsor; today Maison Dolin still makes it near the French Alps. Bittersweet and earthy — green grapes, prune, figs, liquorice, and citrus over gentian and quinine bitterness — it is the lower-proof alternative to Italian amari and a fine sweet-vermouth substitute. Explore Bonal, or see the store's other French apéritifs.
Tasting Notes
Bittersweet — earthy, spicy, and woody with green grapes, prune, figs, sultana, liquorice, and citrus; gentian and quinine bitterness carry a dried-fruit finish fading into herbal, rooty bitterness.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled or over ice as an apéritif, or deploy it anywhere a bittersweet edge helps: a Bonal & tonic, a Manhattan with Bonal in place of sweet vermouth, or a spritz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ouvre l'appétit" mean?
"Key to the appetite" — Bonal's long-standing nickname, referring to gentian's traditional role as an appetite stimulant.
What is the ABV?
16% ABV.
Can Bonal replace sweet vermouth?
Yes — its bittersweet, wine-based profile makes it a natural substitute in Manhattans and Negronis.
What is the difference between gentiane and quina?
Gentiane is bitterness from yellow gentian root; quina is bitterness from cinchona bark (quinine) — Bonal carries both.
The key to the appetite: order Bonal Gentiane Quina online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.