Saturday, June 1, 2019

Ratafia---the other Champagne Drink


                                      Ratafia and tonic just might become the new "in" drink

There’s a “new” old kid on the block in Champagne.  Ratafia de Champagne dates back eight centuries but it is now making a comeback.  Recently, the alcoholic drink was given a protected status by the French Government and it will have its own appellation.  So what is this Ratafia?

Ratafia de Champagne (as it is now legally called to protect the brand from being made only from grapes grown in the Champagne district of France), is made from the three grapes allowed by law in Champagne:  Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Menuier.  But, there’s a catch—Ratafia is always made after the grapes have been pressed to make the pricey bubbly.  The grapes are then pressed for a third and fourth time and this last pressing of semi-unfermented grape juice is then fortified with brandy. Voila…Ratafia de Champagne!

As the addition of brandy during fermentation halts fermentation (where sugar is converted to alcohol), Ratafia de Champagne has both residual sweetness, as well as an alcohol level of about 18%.   It is served cold, often as an aperitif, however, it can be served in lieu of Sauternes with a foie gras as a first course.  Ratafia can be also used as a dessert wine, or even in cooking where it can work magic with delicate sauces.

Ratafia de Champagne obviously has no fizz, but it does have beguiling aromas of candied fruits and honey.  Some compare it to a Tawny Port.   Like Port, it can keep in the frig a month after opening.  Although there are about 100 producers of Ratafia, each winery produces very little.  It’s a miracle to see a bottle in the US as it rarely makes it out of the Champagne region…and if it does, it’s seen in the top restaurants of Paris.  The potential for Ratafia’s growth is huge, and Champagne Houses are expected to ramp up production. 

Coming with us on the sold-out trip to Champagne in June?   You’ll be the first Wine-Knows to taste the new-old kid on the block!


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