{"product_id":"lise-baccara-la-troussepinete-aperitif-wine-750ml","title":"Lise Baccara La Troussépinète Aperitif Wine 750ml","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eTroussépinète has a genuinely unusual origin story — it emerged in the Vendée, a coastal region just north of Cognac, and is believed to have first been made clandestinely, by unofficial distillers who had never been granted legal distilling rights by French authorities. In earlier centuries, wealthier drinkers flavored their mediocre local wines with expensive imported spices — cinnamon, ginger, cloves, rose petals. Farmers with smaller means had no such luxury, so they turned to what grew abundantly around them instead: blackthorn bushes, whose French name, \"épinète,\" gives the wine its own name. Troussépinète became the working farmer's answer to spiced wine, made entirely from what the local hedgerows already offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eLise Baccara's version was created by Gérard Pagnon, a small wine grower and liquoriste working in the Cognac region, using what the importer describes as the genuine, ancient original recipe — one of several methods that exist for making troussépinète, but the one Pagnon has chosen to preserve. Young blackthorn shoots are harvested each spring, sliced, and left to macerate in low-alcohol cognac for one to two months, slowly releasing their sap. Wine — red, in this case — is then blended in, along with a measure of sugar, with the final blend adjusted to exactly 17% ABV before filtering and bottling. Worth knowing: the blackthorn bush's botanical name is Prunus spinosa, the same shrub responsible for sloe berries — but the berries themselves are never used here. It's only the spring shoots, carrying their own distinctive sap and almond-like flavor, that go into the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe results have earned genuine, serious recognition. At the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, La Troussépinète took home the Chairman's Trophy with a score of 96 points, rated \"Extraordinary\" and given the competition's \"Ultimate Recommendation\" — the top prize awarded to any aperitif that year. Wine Enthusiast followed in 2018 with 92 Points, describing \"this 'red dessert wine' from the Cognac region\" as offering \"rich, compote-like aromas and a bold, fruity palate that shows raspberry jam, juicy cherry pie filling and a hint of vanilla, finishing with a mouthwatering plum skin pucker on the exit.\" The official tasting notes describe intense cherry flavors, red grapes, and pitted plum, closing on a dry, tart finish — a genuinely distinctive, historically rooted French aperitif with real critical validation behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eTroussépinète originated in the Vendée, a coastal region north of Cognac, believed to have first been made clandestinely by unofficial local distillers who lacked legal permission to distill under French authorities of the time. The tradition emerged from a genuinely practical necessity: while wealthier households flavored their wine with costly imported spices, farmers with more modest means and ordinary local wine turned instead to the blackthorn bushes growing freely throughout the region — giving the resulting drink its name, drawn from the French word for blackthorn bush, \"épinète.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eLise Baccara's Troussépinète was created by Gérard Pagnon, a small wine grower and liquoriste based in the Cognac region, following what the brand describes as the original, ancient recipe among several regional variations. Young blackthorn shoots are harvested each spring, sliced, and macerated in low-alcohol cognac for one to two months to release their natural sap. Red wine is then blended into the macerate, along with sugar, and the finished blend is adjusted to a final alcohol content of 17% before filtering and bottling. The blackthorn bush, botanically Prunus spinosa, is the same plant that produces sloe berries — though only the spring shoots, rich in sap and carrying a distinctive almond-like character, are used in production; the berries themselves play no role in this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChairman's Trophy, 96 Points — \"Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation\" — Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e (top prize awarded to an aperitif that year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Enthusiast — 92 Points (2018):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This 'red dessert wine' from the Cognac region offers rich, compote-like aromas and a bold, fruity palate that shows raspberry jam, juicy cherry pie filling and a hint of vanilla finishing with a mouthwatering plum skin pucker on the exit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLise Baccara \/ Heavenly Spirits (official tasting notes):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The red Troussépinète displays intense cherry flavors, red grapes and pitted plum with a dry tart finish.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRich, compote-like aromas lead, with intense cherry and red grape character, joined by pitted plum and a hint of vanilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBold and fruity, delivering raspberry jam and juicy cherry pie filling alongside pitted plum, with the blackthorn shoots' subtle almond-like sap character woven throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDry and tart, closing with a mouthwatering plum-skin pucker — a genuinely distinctive close that balances the wine's rich, jammy fruit against real structural acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eRed Aperitif \/ Dessert Wine (Troussépinète)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e17%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCognac area \/ Vendée tradition, France\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eLise Baccara — created by Gérard Pagnon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Ingredient\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eYoung blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) shoots, harvested each spring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eShoots macerated in low-alcohol cognac 1-2 months; blended with red wine and sugar; filtered and bottled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistoric Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eThe Vendée — believed to have originated with unofficial, unlicensed distillers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eChairman's Trophy, 96 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012 · Wine Enthusiast 92 Points (2018)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \/ Identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eA historic, cherry-and-plum-driven French aperitif wine with genuine critical acclaim\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromas \u0026amp; Flavors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCherry, red grape, pitted plum, raspberry jam, vanilla, compote\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eProsciutto ham\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMelon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBlue cheese\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eChocolate-based cake and desserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eEnjoy chilled, as an aperitif alongside prosciutto, melon, or blue cheese, or as a dessert wine paired with any chocolate-based cake. Also works well as a cocktail component.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44695037280322,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0363\/8621\/files\/Lise_Baccara_La_Trouss_pin_te_Aperitif_Wine_750ml.jpg?v=1786205971","url":"https:\/\/www.blackwellswines.com\/products\/lise-baccara-la-troussepinete-aperitif-wine-750ml","provider":"Blackwell's Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}