Frequently Asked Questions
Dubonnet Rouge is a timeless French aperitif, crafted since 1846 with a harmonious blend of fortified red wine, herbs, spices, and a touch of quinine. This smooth and lightly sweet drink boasts rich notes of cherry, black currant, and prune, complemented by subtle hints of tea, orange peel, cinnamon, and chocolate, with a refreshing bitterness and spice on the finish. Perfect served over ice with a slice of lemon or as a versatile addition to classic cocktails, Dubonnet Rouge embodies elegance and sophistication. A favorite of royalty and mixologists alike, it delivers a balance of tradition and luxury in every sip.
Process & Profile
Dubonnet Rouge is crafted using a proprietary blend of fortified red wine, herbs, spices, and quinine. The wine base includes varieties such as ruby cabernet and muscat of Alexandria, which contribute to its rich and balanced flavor. Key ingredients—like cinchona bark, black currant, black tea, and cane sugar—add complexity and depth while enhancing its lightly sweet and bitter profile. Known for its aged quality, Dubonnet Rouge achieves a polished and nuanced taste that embodies the tradition of French aperitifs. With an alcohol content of 19% ABV, Dubonnet Rouge fits perfectly as a fortified wine, bridging the gap between vermouth and herbal liqueurs.Tasting Notes
Dubonnet Rouge offers a captivating mix of aromas and flavors:- Aroma: Notes of ripe cherries, raspberries, blackberries, mingled with hints of mint, sage, bay leaf, and a touch of orange zest.
- Flavor: On the palate, expect a rich blend of tangy red currants, blueberry, chocolate, and coffee, with subtle hints of herbs like thyme and spices like clove, cinnamon, and anise.
- Finish: A sweet and slightly bitter finish with elements of black tea, lemon zest, and earthy undertones.
What Makes It Special
Dubonnet Rouge stands out for its heritage, versatility, and unique flavor profile:- Historical Legacy: Created in 1846, this aperitif has been a cherished part of French and global cocktail culture for over 170 years.
- Proprietary Blend: Its signature combination of red wine, cinchona bark, black tea, and herbs ensures a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
- Mixology Favorite: Revered by bartenders, it complements various cocktails and outshines many vermouths in classic recipes such as Negronis and Manhattans.
How to Enjoy
Dubonnet Rouge offers versatility, whether sipped solo or as part of a cocktail:- Neat or On the Rocks: Serve chilled over ice with a slice of lemon or orange for a simple and refreshing aperitif.
- Cocktails:
- Pairings: Its sweet and herbal notes pair wonderfully with aged cheeses, charcuterie, or rich chocolate desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dubonnet Rouge?
Dubonnet Rouge is a sweet, wine-based aperitif created in 1846 by Parisian chemist Joseph Dubonnet. It is made from a blend of red wine, herbs, spices, and quinine, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. The quinine was originally included to make it more palatable for French Foreign Legionnaires fighting malaria in North Africa. Today, it is enjoyed as a classic aperitif or in cocktails.
What does Dubonnet Rouge taste like?
Dubonnet Rouge is known for its balanced mix of sweetness, bitterness, and spice. It features flavors of black currant, prune, orange, and tea notes, with subtle hints of chocolate, nuts, and coffee. The inclusion of quinine adds a dry, tannic finish, complemented by a touch of cane sugar for sweetness.
How is Dubonnet Rouge best served?
Dubonnet Rouge can be enjoyed in several ways: - Over ice with a slice of lemon or orange. - Mixed with club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer. - As an ingredient in classic cocktails, such as the Dubonnet Cocktail (combined with gin and served with a lemon twist) or the Dubonnet Manhattan.
What are the key ingredients in Dubonnet Rouge?
The main components of Dubonnet Rouge include: - A red wine base made from grapes like Ruby Red and Muscat of Alexandria. - A proprietary blend of herbs and spices, including black currant and tea. - Quinine from cinchona tree bark, lending a subtle bitterness. - 100% cane sugar for a touch of sweetness.
What is the alcohol content of Dubonnet Rouge?
The alcohol content of Dubonnet Rouge varies slightly depending on the region. The French version is 14.8% alcohol by volume, while the U.S. version has a higher alcohol content at 19%.
Is Dubonnet Rouge suitable for cocktails?
Yes, Dubonnet Rouge is extremely versatile and works well in cocktails. Its rich and aromatic profile pairs beautifully with spirits like gin and whiskey. Popular cocktail recipes include the classic Dubonnet Cocktail, Dubonnet Negroni, and Dubonnet Fizz. It also serves as an excellent substitute for vermouth in many recipes.
Who are some famous fans of Dubonnet Rouge?
Dubonnet Rouge gained royal recognition as the favorite drink of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Both enjoyed it mixed with gin and served with ice and a slice of lemon.
What is the history behind the cat on the Dubonnet label?
The story behind the cat is attributed to Joseph Dubonnet's wife, who kept a cat for company while her husband worked late creating the aperitif. The label featuring the cat serves as a nod to these origins and adds a playful charm to the bottle.
How should Dubonnet Rouge be stored?
Like other fortified wines, Dubonnet Rouge should be stored in a cool, dark place before opening. Once opened, it is best refrigerated and consumed within a month to preserve its flavor.
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