Ratafia Champenois "Sólera" SA - Chavost (vin nature)

Founded in 1946, the Chavost cooperative is located in the village of Chavot-Courcourt, just south of Epernay. Recently, the range has been expanded with a line of Champagnes that are made without additives and sulphites, from a total of 5 hectares of 'project'. In 2023 for the first time officially certified Organic!

But they also make...A real Ratafia Champenois! Ratafia made from only grapes from the Champagne region. 50/50 Chardonnay and Meunier. For those who are scratching their heads, a short history lesson Ratafia:

Ratafia is consumed as an aperitif mainly in Catalonia, Roussillon, and throughout Italy. Originally, the term referred to any drink consumed at the ratification, the official ratification of an international treaty by a state, or the recognition of a letter of constitution by another obedience. The name derives from the Latin marriage "Res Rata fiat", meaning 'The matter is settled'. Later, the drink was also produced in other regions. In Champagne, the sweet alcoholic drink was produced before the region was known for its sparkling wines. Officially, there are only two AOCs, Ratafia de Champagne and Ratafia de Bourgogne.

Okay, now we know that too. Ratafia de Champagne is made by mixing grape must with sugar, spices and alcohol. By adding alcohol, the fermentation process stops and a still, sweet Champagne with an alcohol percentage of 18.5% is created. To make the best Ratafia de Champagne, such as Chavost, Marc de Champagne is used as the alcohol distillate, a French eau de vie du vigneron that is made in almost every French wine region. Also known in Italy as Grappa, in Spain as Orujo and in Portugal as Aguardente. In Germany as Trester, in Hungary as Törköly and in Greece as Tsipouro. You get the idea.

Back to Chavost:

This Ratafia will keep well for a few weeks after opening, if stored cool. Slightly nutty with hints of blanched almonds, fruity thanks to a bit of apricot, a little butter and yet with a surprisingly fresh aftertaste. As an aperitif, during dinner, as a digestif, anything is possible. Versatile wine!