Tonic wines from France
4 wines made in France, with strength, caffeine, taste and history for each.
- Byrrh Grand QuinquinaFrance · 18% ABVA Roussillon quinquina first sold in 1866 as a 'hygienic tonic wine', 18% ABV, rich and port-like with a firm quinine bitterness.
- Dubonnet RougeFrance · 14.8% ABVA French quinquina from 1846, 14.8% ABV in the UK, with a soft quinine bitterness. Famous as the Queen Mother's favourite, mixed with gin.
- St Raphaël Le Quina RougeFrance · 18% ABVA French quinquina dating its recipe to 1830, 18% ABV, led by cocoa and orange peel, with poster art that became a bistro icon.
- Vin MarianiFranceThe Victorian coca wine that won endorsements from popes and presidents, inspired Coca-Cola, and disappeared in the early twentieth century.
| Wine | Country | ABV | Caffeine (mg/litre) | Sweetness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byrrh Grand Quinquina | France | 18% | None declared | sweet |
| Dubonnet Rouge | France | 14.8% | None declared | sweet |
| St Raphaël Le Quina Rouge | France | 18% | None declared | sweet |
| Vin Mariani | France | n/a | None declared | medium |