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- L.N. Mattei Cap Corse
L.N. Mattei, founder of the famous Cap Corse distillery in Aléria
Discover the oldest of the island's aperitif wines, Cap Corse L.N. Mattei Red or White, available throughout Corsica and at numerous retailers on the mainland and around the world. Cédratine, Myrttei, Gin Mattei, and immortelle round out the range from this famous distillery.
How to enjoy the famous Cap Corse Mattei?
Cap Corse Mattei is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif. Made from Muscat and Vermentinu mistelles, combined with macerations of cinchona, citron, and other aromatic plants, it offers a balance of sweetness, bitterness, and spicy notes.
Cap Corse Mattei can be served in several ways. Fans of traditional recipes often enjoy it neat, slightly chilled, or with a few ice cubes. Its aromatic profile also lends itself very well to the preparation of cocktails and long drinks.
Mattei Cap Corse neat
Served between 8 and 12°C, Cap Corse Mattei reveals the full complexity of its aromas. The Red version offers spicier and slightly bitter notes, while Cap Corse Blanc stands out for its greater freshness and citrus notes, provided in particular by Corsican citron.
Mattei Spritz
Inspired by the famous Italian cocktail, the Mattei Spritz is now one of the most popular ways to enjoy Cap Corse Mattei. It typically combines Cap Corse Red or White with a sparkling wine and sparkling water, all served over ice with a slice of orange or citrus fruit.
Cap Corse Mattei mixed with tonic water
Those who prefer lighter drinks also enjoy Cap Corse Mattei mixed with tonic water. The natural bitterness of cinchona pairs particularly well with the fresh notes of the tonic, creating a balanced and refreshing aperitif.
Red or White?
The choice depends mainly on personal taste. Cap Corse Rouge is generally appreciated for its more intense character, its spicy notes, and its slight bitterness. Cap Corse White appeals more to those who prefer freshness, citrus, and lighter flavors. Both recipes, however, preserve the historic identity of the famous aperitif created by Louis Napoléon Mattei.
The Origins of Vin Mattei Cap Corse
Born on June 12, 1849, in Ersa in the far north of Cap Corse, Louis Napoléon Mattei left his mark on his region—Cap Corse—by creating the L.N. Mattei Cap Corse aperitif wine in 1872.
At that time, Cap Corse was one of the island's most densely populated regions, with a thriving commercial sector centered on the sea. It was in this atmosphere, with its constant comings and goings of merchant ships, that Louis Napoléon Mattei developed a taste for trade and travel, which led him to take an interest in a Caribbean plant—cinchona—used in the first aperitif drinks.
Cinchona, both wine and medicine
Growing in latitudes near the equator, this plant is primarily known for its medicinal properties. It is from its bark that quinine is extracted, a key ingredient in L.N. Mattei Cap Corse, which, along with other exotic plants, citron, and the Muscat and Vermentinu grape varieties used in mistelle, makes up the recipe for Cap Corse Mattei, available in red and white.
Exported all over the world
The Cap Mattei tonic wine quickly achieved global success, winning over 40 major awards at world's fairs in Paris in 1900, as well as in London, Brussels, Tunis, and numerous gold medals that earned its creator, Louis Napoléon Mattei, the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor and Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit.
In the company's archives, the customer ledger from 1921 to 1924 lists clients from all corners of the globe, including the most distant destinations: Java, Sumatra, Port Said, Pointe-à-Pitre, Djibouti, Dakar, and even Tananarive in Madagascar.
The Mattei Mill in Cap Corse
A symbolic image of the brand and one of the most photographed sites in Cap Corse, the Mattei Mill is perched on the heights of the Col de la Serra, in the town of Ersa. It is the only restored windmill among the fifteen or so that once stood in Cap Corse, many of which have since disappeared.
Cap Mattei Through History in Pictures
Louis Napoléon Mattei was also a pioneer in marketing. This is evidenced by the numerous posters for the prized quinine-based beverage, his branded merchandise, his logo-adorned cars, and even the placement of his brand and products in films—notably in one of the films from Marcel Pagnol's famous trilogy, the film *César*, released in 1936.
Vintage advertising posters - L.N. Mattei
This success led to numerous counterfeits, which were denounced and combated by the island brand through the registration of the Cap Corse trademark, and advertising posters warned of this by emphasizing the uniqueness of the one and only Mattei Cap Corse.
The Brand's Products
Cap Corse Mattei 
- Founded in 1894
- As an aperitif or in a cocktail
- Alcohol content: 17%
Still made today according to its original recipe, “CAP MATTEI” is composed of mistelle made from Muscat and Vermentinu grapes, obtained by adding alcohol to halt fermentation, blended with macerations of cinchona bark, Corsican citron, and a selection of local fruits, plants, and exotic spices.
An inimitable aperitif, the original Cap Corse Mattei recipe comes in two versions: Cap Mattei Red and Cap Mattei White. Cap Corse Mattei reveals a bittersweet profile with spicy notes.
Cap Corse “Grande Réserve” 
- Created in 1894
- As an aperitif or in a cocktail
- Alcohol content: 17%
Cap Grande Réserve, specially crafted for mixology and also available in “red” ” and “white” versions, is made with the same ingredients as the original recipe but is distinguished by a more pronounced bitter aromatic profile and a higher alcohol content of 17% (instead of 15%).
Le Cap Mattei Grande Réserve Red offers charming floral and bitter orange notes.
The “White,” meanwhile, incorporates macerations of Corsican citron. This citrus fruit offers a complex range of aromas, giving the product its characteristic freshness.
Myrttei White & Red 
Created by Louis Napoléon Mattei, the Myrttei Blanche and Myrttei Rouge liqueurs are made from a blend of distillates and wild myrtle berries that perfume the Corsican maquis. These liqueurs exude the subtle fragrance that Emperor Bonaparte so fondly remembered.
- Created in the late 19th century
- As a digestif
- 30% ABV
Cédratine 30° - 50cl 
The oldest Corsican liqueur, Cédratine is made according to the original recipe of Louis Napoléon Mattei, using distillates of aromatic plants and a double distillation of the finest Corsican citrons. Cédratine has an exquisite aroma and taste that leaves the most pleasant flavors on the palate. “Cédratine” is a registered trademark of Maison L.N. MATTEI in Bastia.
Created in 1880
As a digestif
30% alc. / vol.Gin Mattei, Distilled Gin - 40% ABV - 70cl 
Distilled Dry Gin is the result of distilling a selection of citrus fruits and aromatic plants from the island's maquis. L.N. Mattei Gin features a beautiful juniper nose with light herbal notes, particularly from bay leaf and immortelle; on the palate, it is enriched with citrus notes from Corsican lemons and citrons.
40% alc. / vol.
Mattei, L'Immortel Distilled Gin - 43% ABV - 50 cl 
On the nose, juniper comes through first, complemented by citrus notes and aromatic hints of marjoram, bay leaf, and fennel. On the palate, fresh citrus notes (Corsican citrons and lemons) emerge against a subtle juniper aroma, supported by fennel seeds and the lightness of immortelle.
43% ABV
Limoncellu 
With this original creation, the L.N. Mattei Distillery remains true to its tradition of crafting “recipe” liqueurs: more complex than a simple Limoncello and fresher than a citrus liqueur, Mattei Limoncellu is made by macerating Corsican lemon zest in alcohol; after this step, the maceration juice is mixed with sugar and water to create this sumptuous Limoncellu. This relatively simple process preserves the beautiful aromatic profile of these sun-drenched local fruits.
- Created in 2022
- As a digestif
- Alcohol content: 30%
Today, the L.N. Mattei Distillery has remained true to its core offerings: its famous quinine-based aperitif, Cap Corse Mattei, and its liqueurs made from historic recipes, Cédratine and Myrttei, invented by Louis Napoléon Mattei.
In 2021, two gins joined the lineup: Distilled Dry Gin L.N. Mattei & L'Immortel. The L.N. Mattei Distillery also produces Mavela liqueurs and brandies, as well as the Corsican whiskey brand P&M Whisky. After more than 150 years of history, the brand's philosophy has remained unchanged.
Where to Buy
The L.N. Mattei product range is available in supermarkets, Corsican grocery stores, and in numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants across the island, as well as in certain countries around the world. The distillery's products are also available online at distilleriemattei.com.
The Concept Store, located on Place Saint-Nicolas in Bastia, remains the brand's most authentic showcase and tells the story of Cap Mattei's legacy. Today, and since 2017, the distillery is based in Aléria on the grounds of the Domaine Mavela, where all products are made. It is possible to visit the distillery by reservation (by phone or directly on the website).
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Cap Corse Rouge is distinguished by a more pronounced flavor profile, with spicy and fruity notes and a slight bitterness provided by cinchona bark. Cap Corse Blanc offers greater freshness and highlights citrus aromas, particularly those of Corsican citron. Both recipes are based on the same production principles while offering distinct flavor profiles.
Cap Corse Mattei is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif. It can be served chilled, neat, or on the rocks, but it is also used in many cocktails. The Mattei Spritz, made with Cap Corse Mattei, sparkling wine, and sparkling water, is one of the most popular recipes. It can also be mixed with tonic water for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
Yes. Cap Corse Mattei is made from cinchona bark, a plant native to South America from which quinine is extracted. This ingredient contributes to the product's aromatic character and its slight bitterness, which is one of the historic hallmarks of cinchona-style aperitif wines.
Cap Corse Mattei is available in many supermarkets, wine shops, specialty food stores, bars, and restaurants across Corsica. It is also sold on the French mainland and in several other countries. Some products in the range can be ordered online from specialty retailers or directly through the brand's distribution channels.
The Mattei Mill is located at the Col de la Serra, in the municipality of Ersa, at the northwestern tip of Cap Corse. Overlooking the villages of Ersa and Centuri, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Corsica. A former 18th-century windmill, it became one of the symbols of Cap Corse after its restoration by the Mattei family in the early 20th century.
Born in Ersa in 1849, Louis Napoléon Mattei was the founder of the L.N. Mattei company. A visionary entrepreneur, he created the famous Cap Corse Mattei in 1872 and helped bring international recognition to this Corsican specialty. His products won numerous awards at world's fairs and were exported worldwide by the end of the 19th century.
Address and Contacts : L.N. Mattei Cap Corse
| 04 95 56 60 30 | |
| Send an Email | |
| U Licettu, 20270 Aleria | |
| L.N. Mattei Cap Corse | |