Kina L’Avion d’Or Aperitif

The late 19th to early 20th century was the 'Golden Age' of French aperitif wines known as Quinquinas or Kinas. Kinas were originally created to make quinine more palatable when administered to soldiers in the disease-plagued 'colonies'. They took a life of their own as producers found combinations of ingredients that delighted the public and they took on their own styles following the tastes of the regions in which they were produced. Kina L'Aéro d'Or reflects an 'Alps-Provence' style: White wine made from the Piedmont-grown Cortese grape is infused with Cinchona bark (which produces quinine, the principal bitter taste), Orange Peel, Wormwood and other exotic spices to give a beautiful deep golden hue, an aroma of quince and fine marmalade, with a complex, mildly bitter taste that teases the tongue as its well-balanced sweetness prolongs the finish. Wonderful on its own, chilled, on ice, or mixed with soda or tonic water, for a refreshing, low-alcohol drink. Kina Aéro d'Or is absolutely spectacular in classic cocktails such as the 20th Century, Vesper or Corpse Reviver #2 and will easily find its way into many more cocktails of your own.