Ratafia French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Ratafia is a sweet fortified wine made by blending grape juice with spirits before fermentatRatafia is a traditional French fortified wine (vin de liqueur) made by blending fresh grape juice with grape spirit, best known in Champagne and Burgundy, served as a sweet aperitif or with dessert.
More info about Ratafia
Geographic position
Mainly northeastern France: Ratafia de Champagne comes from the Champagne vineyards around Reims and Épernay, and Ratafia de Bourgogne from Burgundy; similar drinks exist in other regions.
Origin & history
The name is said to come from the Latin "rata fiat" ("let it be ratified"), a drink once shared to seal agreements. Winegrowers have made it for centuries to use the last pressings of the harvest. Ratafia de Champagne gained its own protected geographical indication in 2015.
Wines & grape varieties
Sweet amber or rosé aperitif wine of around 16 to 22% alcohol. In Champagne it uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier juice, fortified with marc or fine brandy and aged in oak. Expect dried apricot, honey, raisin and caramel.
Climate & soil
Cool northern climate; Champagne's chalky soils and Burgundy's limestone give fresh juice that keeps the sweetness balanced.ion, resulting in a rich, aromatic drink.
Wine region: Champagne
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir