This 100% pinot meunier Ratafia from Champagne goes back to a 1947 family recipe from Champagne Moussé Fils using their Marc de Champagne, a liqueur distilled from pomace after winemaking. Non-sparkling, it has an almost port-like quality, viscous and sweet yet with enough acid and verve to balance. An excellent choice after dinner with strong cheeses or dessert, these eye-catching bottles and carrying cases make the perfect gift for an adventurous wine lover! - GVWM

Ratafia is a broad term used in various countries for several distinct styles of beverage. The most famous ratafia is Ratafia de Champagne, a mistelle (fortified grape must) from France's Champagne region. The other main category of ratafia is a fortified cordial aromatized with citrus peel, herbs and spices.

Ratafia de Champagne is made from the standard Champagne grapes, using must from later press runs once the juice for Champagne has been extracted. It is then fortified with a grape brandy distilled from the same type of juice. The resulting drink is similar in style to Pineau des Charentes and is effectively a grape version of the apple-based Pommeau found in Normandy and Brittany.

Several Champagne producers have invested a great deal of time and effort in getting their product officially protected and recognized by European Union law. In 2015 it was announced that Ratafia de Champagne was to be given PGI status by the INAO, joining Marc and fine de Champgne.

Around the Mediterranean, in southern France, Spain and particularly Italy, "ratafia" is the name of something quite different. It is an alcoholic, aromatic cordial made from a wide range of ingredients including fruits (lemon, lime, peach, cherry) herbs (rosemary, mint, anise), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) and nuts (bitter almonds). This form of ratafia is sweetened with sugar, hence its definition as a liqueur.

Producer Notes:

This atypical Ratafia is elaborated with passion, in keeping with a secret family recipe from 1947 by Edmond Moussé, 2nd winemaker generation of our house. This recipe was only passed down to his son, Jean-Marc, and his Grandson, Cédric. It has a natural place in the DNA of the house, and provides a new opportunity to discover the Meunier.

Characteristics of the cuvée:

This 100% Meunier Ratafia is produced with our homemade Marc de Champagne, a liqueur made of Meunier wine only.

Micro vinification of the final pressings – Fermentation of our Marc de Champagne in concrete tanks

Double distillation of final pressing wines and Marc in the historic still of Cuisles

Mutage on the musts

Natural chilling – no filtration