St Raphael Classic Rouge Quinquina
St Raphael Classic Rouge Quinquina is a 750mL French quinquina aperitif — a red-wine-based aperitif with quinquina bark, bitter orange peel, and cocoa, from a recipe born in 1830 — the original French aperitif in its ruby-red expression, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Born from a French doctor's 1830 quest for a quinine-based elixir — named for the archangel Raphael, who answered his prayer — St Raphael is built on mistelle, grape juice whose fermentation is halted with alcohol to preserve its natural sugar, then slowly macerated with quinquina (cinchona bark), bitter orange peels, vanilla, and cocoa. Classic Rouge is the deep expression of the range: the red wine base gives it body and its beautiful ruby color, while the quinquina and bitter orange add character without overpowering the soft palate. It is warm, fruity, and racy — the more full-bodied sibling to the golden Ambre.
Tasting notes (brand-owner descriptors): a deep ruby hue; warm red fruit, bitter orange peel, cocoa, and vanilla over a subtle quinquina bitterness; a smooth, lightly sweet, soft palate; a long, balanced finish of fruit, cocoa, and gentle spice.
Why buy: A genuine icon of French aperitif culture — nearly 200 years old, instantly recognizable, and endlessly drinkable: chilled over ice with an orange twist, in a French Spritz, or as a vermouth-style base in cocktails. Compare it with its golden sibling in the St Raphael range, and browse more wine-based aperitifs and liqueurs at Del Mesa Liquor.
FAQ — people also ask:
Q: What is St Raphael Rouge?
A: A French quinquina aperitif made from red wine macerated with quinquina bark (cinchona), bitter orange peels, vanilla, and cocoa — first created in 1830.
Q: How do you serve St Raphael Rouge?
A: Serve neat and well chilled, over ice, or in cocktails — it's a natural in a French Spritz and works beautifully as a vermouth-style component in stirred drinks.
Q: Is St Raphael Rouge a liqueur?
A: Not exactly — it's a wine-based aperitif (quinquina), built on mistelle and fine wines rather than a distilled spirit base.
Q: What is the ABV of St Raphael Classic Rouge?
A: 16% ABV.