02 Mar 2023 Pernod Ricard launches new wine aperitif in SA
Low in sugar and alcohol and with a fresh fruity taste, the popular French wine-based aperitif Lillet Rosé is launching in South Africa.
Lillet (pronounced “lee-LAY”) has been around for more than 150 years, having been created by brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet in the village of Pondesac, in the heart of France’s famous wine-making Bordeaux region, in 1872.
Whether poured as a chilled after-work refresher or a pre-dinner aperitif, sipping it over ice next to the pool or savouring it over brunch with friends, Lillet is the perfect companion to convivial times.
Drawing on the high-quality grapes from this region and fortified with a blend of citrus liqueurs, Lillet Rosé has a brilliant rose colour and a soft and crisp taste with light aromas of berries, orange blossom and grapefruit. It can be enjoyed year-round in a variety of ways.
It has a low alcohol by volume (ABV) of 17%, low sugar content, no additives and no artificial colourants. It can be imbibed straight up on its own as a chilled aperitif – a drink to “open the stomach” before a meal – as the French prefer to do – or as a cocktail with tonic water.
Nthabi Motsoeneng, marketing director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Pernod Ricard, believes the time is ripe to introduce this low-alcohol beverage into the South African market, when there is a growing awareness of the importance of making responsible, healthier choices when consuming alcohol.
“Since it was created in 1872, Lillet has been very much focused on empowering and celebrating women, and we believe it will appeal to the growing number of South African women who want to enjoy alcohol responsibly while having a good time,” she says.
“With its low alcohol content and as a perfect pairing with tonic or soda, Lillet is a delicious wine-based alternative to heavier drinks that’s also kinder on the waistline.”
Motsoeneng adds: “It also ties in with our ‘Drink More … Water’ campaign which aims to persuade young adults that there is no fun in excessive drinking and empowers them to make the right choices for themselves.
“In essence, the Lillet brand is all about self-expression and empowering women in particular to enjoy life in a responsible, healthy and safe way. As the only wine-based aperitif in the country, we’re confident South Africans will be captivated by Lillet – c’est délicieux!”
Lillet is now available in Gauteng and the Western Cape (with other provinces to follow) at Norman Goodfellows, Solly Kramer’s, PnP, Spar, Makro, Ultra Liquors and Woolworths. A selection of Lillet cocktail recipes can be found here.
Source: Pernod Ricard SA