Mattei Cap Corse Quinquina Blanc

Mattei infuses their botanicals into a blend of Vermentino and Muscat Petit Grains, the former lending acid and backbone, the other adding aromatics. Rather than allowing the wine to ferment at length, he directly fortified the pressed mistelle (grape juice or slightly fermented wine) with botanical-infused brandy. This afforded Mattei the capacity to retain balanced sweetness while producing an overall dry-leaning product.

The leading botanical in Mattai's quinquina is Cedrat, a thick-peeled ancestor of lemon. It is nearly all white pith, with a refreshing, slightly bitter rind. It's flavor is more intense and piney than that of lemon.