Spirits

A spirit or distilled spirit is a beverage produced by distillation following alcoholic fermentation and containing a high alcohol content. Spirits are characterised by an alcohol content of 40% by volume or more.

The term ‘spirits’ derives from the Latin ‘spiritus’, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’. The product of distillation was thus regarded as the spirit of the spirit drink, at a time when medicinal properties were attributed to spirits.

The world of spirits is vast and varied. Spirits can be divided into two main categories. They are often classified according to the origin of the raw materials used to produce them.

• Spirits: Armagnac, Cognac, Vodka, Rum, Whisky, Tequila, Mezcal, Cachaça, etc., known as eaux-de-vie. The taste and appearance derive directly from the fermented raw materials and are therefore primarily the result of distillation. A distinction is thus made between spirits made from grains (whisky), fruit (Cognac, Calvados), sugar cane (rum), agave (tequila, mezcal) and potatoes (vodka).

• Compound spirits: gin, pastis, aniseed spirits, liqueurs, absinthe, etc. Their taste and appearance derive from ingredients added after distillation (flavourings or colourings). This category includes liqueurs (such as Chartreuse and Grand Marnier) as well as flavoured spirits (such as Sloe Gin, Ricard and pastis).

Spirits are governed by European regulations, supplemented by a set of very strict specifications.

Whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails, as an aperitif or a digestif, spirits are an integral part of a country’s or region’s culture. Discover all our spirits brands, from the most classic to the trendiest, available to buy on the Vinatis website.

Whisky is a spirit produced by distilling one or more grains and aged in oak casks. From Japanese whisky to Irish whiskie, Scotch whisky, French Whisky and American whisky, discover the most famous whisky brands such as: Jack Daniel’s, Nikka, Cardhu, Glenlivet, Chivas, Aberlour, Lagavulin and many more.

Originating in Eastern Europe, vodka is a spirit produced by distilling grains and, in some cases, potatoes. Vodka can be distilled up to five times to produce a pure, high-proof spirit. In recent years, vodka has become one of the most widely consumed spirits in the world. Vodka can be drunk neat and is also used to make cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan and the Bloody Mary.

Notable vodka brands include: Belvedere, Beluga, Absolut, Zubrowka, Legend of Kremlin, Nikka and Grey Goose.

Rum is a spirit originating from the Caribbean, made from sugar cane. Whether it’s dry rum, flavoured rum, agricultural rum, ti’punch, in a cocktail or even as a dessert, however you enjoy it, we love it above all for its touch of the exotic! Discover all our rum brands: Zacapa, Diplomatico, Don Papa, Havana Club, Secha, Trois Rivières, Saint James, Clément, Bumbu, Dictador.

Gin is the essential spirit to have at home for making cocktails! Its complex flavour appeals to even the most discerning spirits enthusiasts. Whether it’s a Gin & Tonic, Gin Fizz, Gin Martini, Pink Lady or TGV, surprise your guests with delicious cocktails featuring famous brands such as: Tanqueray, Peaky Blinders, Citadelle, Hendrick’s, Monkey 47 and Mare.

Armagnac, France’s oldest brandy, is produced in the Gascony region and holds a protected designation of origin. Discover our selection of this highly aromatic spirit from the South-West. The Château de Laubade Celebration gift sets are a sure-fire hit as a gift idea. XO connoisseurs will also be delighted by Domaines Tariquet and Uby for unforgettable tasting experiences.

With its distinctive smoky flavour, mezcal is by far the Mexicans’ favourite spirit. Mezcal is made using up to 30 different varieties of agave, including the espadin agave, which is chosen for its quality. Discover this popular Mexican drink through the following brands: Mezcal Se Busca, Mezcal Rey Campero and Casamigos.

Mexico’s national drink, “el tequila”, is an agave spirit with a protected designation of origin. Unlike mezcal, tequila is produced using only one type of agave out of the 300 that exist: the blue agave. Whether you prefer white tequila, aged tequila, neat or in a cocktail, discover our selection: Tequila Cenote, Don Julio Reposado, Milagro, Volcan De Mi Tierra, Casamigos or Patron Silver.

Pastis, Ricard, Absinthe: these spirits, produced by flavouring alcohol with natural extracts of liquorice, star anise, fennel, green anise and various aromatic herbs, are a testament to French expertise.

Calvados is the quintessential Normandy brandy made of either apples or apples and pears. This exceptional spirit will surprise and delight you with its myriad aromas and flavours. Discover it through the products of the Roger Groult estate.

Like rum, cachaça is made from sugar cane and is Brazil’s national spirit, closely resembling agricultural rum. Perfect on its own or in cocktails, such as the famous caipirinha, discover our finest bottles of Brazilian cachaça for all enthusiasts!

Genepi, a French spirit originating in the Alps, is highly regarded as a digestif and can also be enjoyed as an aperitif. Served chilled without ice, it also makes the perfect ingredient in a wide range of cocktails.

This plant-based liqueur, with a very high alcohol content, is produced by Carthusian monks in Isère, in the Chartreuse Mountains. You can enjoy this spirit neat as a digestif or mixed in a cocktail.

Italy offers a wide variety of spirits. At Vinatis, you can buy Italian spirits online, from vermouth and bitters to various liqueurs such as Limoncello, Aperol Spritz, Campari and Martini Bitter...

Tasting rum, whisky, cognac and other spirits is always a unique experience. Tasting spirits is different from tasting wine. A small amount of alcohol, between 1.5 and 3 centilitres, poured into a tasting glass (tulip glass) is sufficient. Most spirits are served neat at room temperature, around 20°C. As an aperitif, opt for light spirits or fresh, fruity cocktails.