The term Rin Quin Quin was originally a generic word. In the Provencal language it means invigorating drink (from the verb requinquilhar: to cheer up). People used to give names to their favourite aperitifs or digestifs. Today, it is becoming synonymous with 'peach wine'. This aperitif has a base made from white wine, alcohol, infusions of peaches, peach tree leaves & sugar. Peach trees: originally found in Persia, peach trees came to Provence during the Roman era. Long ago, in Provence, peach trees were often seen as having therapeutic properties, something that has been totally forgotten today. The leaves, blossoms, stones & gum from peach trees were used as medicine. The fruit is harvested when ripe. They select several varieties of peaches, including the following three :
- Cardinal peaches, with their orange-red skin & pale yellow, juicy meat.
- Coronet peaches are white, juicy & flavourful.
- Junegold peaches have orange-yellow skin & light yellow & tasty meat. The leaves are harvested from the peach trees sometime in September. The peaches & leaves are macerated separately in alcohol & wine in order to extract the parts that are soluble. At the end of the required maceration period (six months to one year), the infusions that are obtained are separated into two parts. The liquid part is added to the white wine. The solid part is distilled & then added. Rin Quin Quin aperitif should be enjoyed straight up, chilled, & with ice cubes if you prefer. Rin Quin Quin goes well with foie gras. It may also be used to flavour fruit salads (1 tablespoon; berries are suggested).