RATAFIA CHAMPENOIS IG
"Ratafia Champenois IG is in Champagne, what Pineau is in Charentes, Pommeau in Normandy, Macvin in Jura and Floc in Gasconne." - Distillerie Jean Goyard -
WHAT IS RATAFIA CHAMPENOIS?
[EXPLANATION]
DESCRIPTIONS
[SPIRIT DRINK]
The Geographical Indication [GI] "Ratafia de Champagne" or "Ratafia Champenois" refers to a spirit drink obtained by aromatizing an alcohol of wine origin with grape must.
It is marketed after a minimum period of maturation in tanks or barrels of 10 months or after a minimum period of aging under wood of 3 years.
CHARACTERISTICS
[ORGANOLEPTIC]
The "Ratafia de Champagne" or "Ratafia Champenois" has a color ranging from straw yellow to amber. It is characterized by fruity aromas and minerality. It has a balance between sugar and acidity.
Depending on the aging time, some Ratafia reveal evolutionary aromas.
Its alcoholic strength by volume is between 16% and 22% and a minimum sugar content of about 110 grams per litre.
PROCESS
[RAW MATERIAL]
Caractéristiques des moûts
Les moûts destinés à l'élaboration du Ratafia de Champagne proviennent de raisins susceptibles d'entrer dans l'élaboration de vins revendiqués dans l'AOP "Champagne".
Caractéristiques des alcools utilisés
Le Marc de Champagne ou autre eau-de-vie, sont obtenus à partir des résidus de presses qui ne sont pas utilisés pour l'élaboration du Champagne (peau, pépins, rafles...), c'est une manière de recycler les "déchets" organiques de production.
Peuvent être utilisés, seul(e) ou en mélange, pour l'élaboration du Ratafia une eau-de-vie de vin, une eau-de-vie de marc, un distillat de vin ou un distillat vinique.
Afin de ne pas masquer les arômes premiers des moûts de raisin, l'eau-de-vie de marc ne peut pas représenter plus de 20% du volume d'alcool pur total des alcools utilisés lors de l'élaboration.
ÉLABORATION
[FABRICATION & ÉLEVAGE]
The manufacture must take place within 20 days after the date of pressing of the grapes used in the composition of the must.
Fresh grape must (unfermented grape juice) is blended with wine alcohol.
After manufacture, the liqueurs undergo a minimum maturation of 10 months in tanks or barrels.
The liquors claimed under the geographical indication are aged in casks for a minimum period of 3 years.
RATAFIA
[HISTORY]
Ratafia is an ancestral drink, it is difficult to date its appearance. It is likely that it has been made since the emergence of viticulture.
The words "Rata Fiat" mean "Ratify" in Latin and could be spoken around a glass of liquor to celebrate and validate ratification, in other words the signing of a treaty or contract.
There are different types of Ratafia in France and around the world:
- fruit or fruit stone
- other wine regions: Ratafia de Bourgogne
- Quebec Mistelle
In general, it is a liquor prepared by macerating, in brandy with sugar, fruit or vegetable substances.
