Laurent Cazottes Fleurs de Sureau Aperitif

Laurent Cazottes Fleurs de Sureau Aperitif is a wine-based aperitif from Distillerie Cazottes at Villeneuve-sur-Vère, near Gaillac and Albi in France, where Laurent Cazottes, distiller, liqueur maker and winegrower, farms the domaine organically with biodynamic practices. Black elderflowers from the estate garden are trimmed in early spring so that only the petals go into maceration, in the domaine's natural wine (made from Jurançon Noir or Prunelart depending on the year) and its organic eau-de-vie, with a little sugar to balance the bitterness. Certified organic. Bottled at 17% ABV in a 500ml bottle.

Food Pairing: Aubergine and Comté quiche, roast partridge, or venison.

Nose: Elderflower and summer flowers with verbena, rhubarb and liquorice, turning autumnal with mushroom, dark tobacco, smoked tea, almonds and amarena cherry, then clove, cardamom and pepper.

Palate: Varied fruit and floral notes, fresh acidity hinting at bergamot and fern, and silky tannins.

Finish: Very long, on fine bitter notes.

Serve: Chilled, as an aperitif.