The History of L.N. Mattei
Since 2016, the L.N. Mattei Distillery has been located in the heart of Corsica’s eastern plain, in the town of Aléria, but the story of this heritage brand began in 1872 in Bastia.
Between Boldness & Tradition
1872
After founding the L.N. Mattei Distillery in 1872, Louis Napoléon Mattei had the idea to create a wine-based aperitif infused with quinquina: Cap Corse Mattei.
Driven by the desire to showcase local products by transforming them into something unique, Louis Napoléon also developed his first liqueur recipes using emblematic fruits of the Isle of Beauty, such as citron and myrtle.
Driven by the desire to showcase local products by transforming them into something unique, Louis Napoléon also developed his first liqueur recipes using emblematic fruits of the Isle of Beauty, such as citron and myrtle.
1900
Cap Corse Mattei earned numerous awards that brought it international acclaim. In 1900, the aperitif was notably honored at the Paris Exposition Universelle.
Louis Napoléon Mattei, a forward-thinking entrepreneur, was also a pioneer in advertising. He created branded Cap Corse Mattei items—now prized by collectors—and left a lasting mark with the iconic Mattei Windmill in Cap Corse.
Louis Napoléon Mattei, a forward-thinking entrepreneur, was also a pioneer in advertising. He created branded Cap Corse Mattei items—now prized by collectors—and left a lasting mark with the iconic Mattei Windmill in Cap Corse.
Expertise & Local Production
Established in Bastia in 1872, the brand’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Corsica.
The production of Cap Mattei has always taken place on the Isle of Beauty, employing at its peak in the 1960s more than 120 island families.
Today, the L.N. Mattei Distillery is located in the eastern plain of Corsica, on the Mavela Estate, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The distillery’s spirits are crafted using fruits grown by local farmers.
The berries of the maquis and the fruits are all hand-harvested, as are the steps that precede distillation: peeling, maceration, and filtration. Distillation takes place year-round, in harmony with the rhythm of the seasons.
The production of Cap Mattei has always taken place on the Isle of Beauty, employing at its peak in the 1960s more than 120 island families.
Today, the L.N. Mattei Distillery is located in the eastern plain of Corsica, on the Mavela Estate, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The distillery’s spirits are crafted using fruits grown by local farmers.
The berries of the maquis and the fruits are all hand-harvested, as are the steps that precede distillation: peeling, maceration, and filtration. Distillation takes place year-round, in harmony with the rhythm of the seasons.
Located in Ersa near the Serra Pass at an altitude of 365 meters, the Mattei Windmill stands as one of Cap Corse’s iconic landmarks.
In 1932, François Mattei purchased this windmill and brought it back into operation until the end of the 18th century, with the aim of restoring it and transforming it into a powerful symbol of the brand. Ever since, it has proudly carried the Cap Corse Mattei name to the four winds.
Today, the Mattei Windmill belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral, which carried out a faithful restoration.
The year 2021 marked a turning point, as the windmill finally got its sails back. It has also become an information point for the Cap Corse - Capi Corsu Intercommunal Tourist Office during the summer season. It now hosts eco-tourism projects and exhibitions in collaboration with the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Collectivité de Corse, the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Park, and the Corsican Environment Office.
In 1932, François Mattei purchased this windmill and brought it back into operation until the end of the 18th century, with the aim of restoring it and transforming it into a powerful symbol of the brand. Ever since, it has proudly carried the Cap Corse Mattei name to the four winds.
Today, the Mattei Windmill belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral, which carried out a faithful restoration.
The year 2021 marked a turning point, as the windmill finally got its sails back. It has also become an information point for the Cap Corse - Capi Corsu Intercommunal Tourist Office during the summer season. It now hosts eco-tourism projects and exhibitions in collaboration with the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Collectivité de Corse, the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Park, and the Corsican Environment Office.
Each year, during the grape harvest, the finest Corsican grapes are selected from three varietals—Vermentinu, Muscat of Alexandria, and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains—for the making of Cap Corse Mattei.
The L.N. Mattei Distillery has remained faithful to its original recipes. The grapes are freshly pressed to extract their juice, then blended with alcohol before fermentation. This process preserves the primary aromas and the natural sugar of the fruit. From this method comes the famous mistelle—an age-old technique that ensures the highest quality of aperitif.
The fruits, plants, and spices found in Cap Mattei have been rigorously selected from local and international producers for over 150 years.
The distillery’s expertise also lies in the careful balancing of ingredient concentrations and maceration times, which are adjusted depending on the desired aromatic profile.
The L.N. Mattei Distillery has remained faithful to its original recipes. The grapes are freshly pressed to extract their juice, then blended with alcohol before fermentation. This process preserves the primary aromas and the natural sugar of the fruit. From this method comes the famous mistelle—an age-old technique that ensures the highest quality of aperitif.
The fruits, plants, and spices found in Cap Mattei have been rigorously selected from local and international producers for over 150 years.
The distillery’s expertise also lies in the careful balancing of ingredient concentrations and maceration times, which are adjusted depending on the desired aromatic profile.
Part of the macerations is blended with mistelle—a key step in the making of Cap Mattei—while another part is distilled to produce Mattei liqueurs.
The distillery is equipped with two copper fruit stills from Holstein, a renowned name in the industry.
These stills allow for the faithful recreation of historical recipes and enhance the aromas of the carefully selected plants and fruits.
The Production Director, the oenologist, and the Cellar Master of the distillery meticulously oversee each stage of the production process, ensuring that every recipe meets the highest organoleptic standards before bottling.
The distillery is equipped with two copper fruit stills from Holstein, a renowned name in the industry.
These stills allow for the faithful recreation of historical recipes and enhance the aromas of the carefully selected plants and fruits.
The Production Director, the oenologist, and the Cellar Master of the distillery meticulously oversee each stage of the production process, ensuring that every recipe meets the highest organoleptic standards before bottling.
A 21st-Century Brand
2021
Today, the brand offers a range of spirits that reflect Louis Napoléon Mattei’s original vision: unique, high-quality products made with local ingredients.
Following the Cap Corse Mattei Grande Réserve, a collection of eaux-de-vie and new liqueurs, the L.N. Mattei Distillery launched two gin recipes in 2021: Distilled Dry Gin L.N. Mattei and L’Immortel Gin. The Distilled Dry Gin L.N. Mattei was even awarded the Gold Medal at the 2022 Concours Général Agricole!
This very philosophy has earned the L.N. Mattei Distillery the prestigious “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label, recognizing its excellence in traditional craftsmanship.
Following the Cap Corse Mattei Grande Réserve, a collection of eaux-de-vie and new liqueurs, the L.N. Mattei Distillery launched two gin recipes in 2021: Distilled Dry Gin L.N. Mattei and L’Immortel Gin. The Distilled Dry Gin L.N. Mattei was even awarded the Gold Medal at the 2022 Concours Général Agricole!
This very philosophy has earned the L.N. Mattei Distillery the prestigious “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label, recognizing its excellence in traditional craftsmanship.
A 150-Year Legacy!
2022
The milestone is reached! L.N. Mattei celebrates its 150th anniversary — a remarkable achievement for this historic House, now a proud part of Corsica’s cultural heritage.