Oenophiles and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Fans Rejoice: This Gin Release Was ‘Tailored for Wine Afficianados’

Family-owned wine importer and distributor Quintessential announced on Wednesday that they would be making their first foray into craft spirits with André Brunel’s craft gin inspired by the Rhône Valley wine region.

Le Gin 13 was made by the famous wine producer from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, André Brunel, and was made from organic grapes and hand-selected botanicals. The winemaking team, Fabrice Brunel and Romain Pitaud, created the vintaged gin, which was composed of grapes harvested in 2022.

“As a gin enthusiast, I drew inspiration from my home, the Rhône, to craft gin tailored for wine aficionados,” Fabrice Brunel said in a statement. “Le Gin 13 embodies the concept of terroir through carefully selected botanicals, a deep connection to our winemaking heritage and by highlighting the differing characteristics in vintaged gin.”

Quintessential claims the gin is complex, with aromas of juniper. Other botanicals like orange peel, are meant to encapture the aroma of Grenache, a grape commonly used in Châteauneuf-de-Pape. Pepper is used to emulate the peppery kick of Syrah, and herbs like lavender are meant to capture the signature aroma of garrigue, which is known to the region.

“There could not be a more suitable spirit to enter the craft sector than with Fabrice Brunel’s handcrafted gin,” Quintessential co-owner Dennis Kreps said. “He brings such passion and authenticity to anything he creates, and Le Gin 13 is no different. It offers something special to both wine and spirits consumers alike with its perfect blend of tradition and innovation.”

The gin was named Le Gin 13 to celebrate the 13 varieties grown in the Rhône.  13 ingredients are included in the spirit and they include juniper, angelica root, cinnamon, coriander, orange peel, rosemary, cardamom, pepper, lavender, fennel, vanilla, thyme and Sichuan pepper.

Le 13 gin is distilled in the traditional sense and uses grapes, stems and skins. It undergoes a distillation process until it reaches 96 proof then is cut to 45 proof while it is infused with herbs. Quintessential shared that Le Gin 13 will be available across the United States starting Fall 2024.

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