Terres Rouge Salers NV

Profile & Story

Salers Gentiane is the oldest gentian-root apéritif of the Massif Central, created in 1885 by distiller Alfred Labounoux using yellow gentian root gathered on the slopes of Puy Mary near the village of Salers in Auvergne. Roots are washed, crushed, and macerated in alcohol before copper-still bain-marie distillation; the distillate is blended with the initial maceration and a bouquet of spices, then aged over three years in Limousin oak. Since 2006 Salers has been produced by the Vedrenne family group at their distillery in Turenne, near Brive-la-Gaillarde in Corrèze — the same locale as the "Distillerie des Terres Rouges," which appears to be the current production site/bottler behind the Salers brand under the Vedrenne umbrella. Bottled at 16% ABV (also available at 20% and 25%).

Pairing Recommendation

Traditionally served neat over ice, or in the SALERS Tonic: 40ml Salers Gentiane Liqueur, 100ml tonic water, built over ice and garnished with an orange twist.