Champagne Eric Rodez I Ratafia I Champenois NV
Champagne Eric Rodez I Ratafia I Champenois NV

Champagne Eric Rodez, Ratafia Champenois NV

£52.00

Ratafia is Champagne's traditional mistelle — freshly pressed grape juice (moût) whose fermentation is stopped by the addition of grape spirit, typically to around 17–20% ABV. The result is a fortified, naturally sweet vin de liqueur with full fruit character preserved intact by the alcohol. Long made by growers for their own tables, it was awarded its own Champagne appellation in 2015

Rodez's approach to Ratafia is categorically different, as you would expect from this man. Made solely from Ambonnay Pinot Noir and by running a solera from 2015 to 2020. He has created a wine of layered complexity. The result is a wine that is simultaneously aged and alive — a Ratafia with the structural ambition of a great Banyuls or Maury, yet with the unmistakable chalk-mineral identity of Ambonnay Grand Cru beneath it.

If you like tawny port or Colheita, this is on for you. Deep, lustrous amber colour, with notes of medjool dates, dried figs, muscovado and hazelnut. No doubt it will be enchanting every cheese board.

Ratafia is Champagne's traditional mistelle — freshly pressed grape juice (moût) whose fermentation is stopped by the addition of grape spirit, typically to around 17–20% ABV. The result is a fortified, naturally sweet vin de liqueur with full fruit character preserved intact by the alcohol. Long made by growers for their own tables, it was awarded its own Champagne appellation in 2015

Rodez's approach to Ratafia is categorically different, as you would expect from this man. Made solely from Ambonnay Pinot Noir and by running a solera from 2015 to 2020. He has created a wine of layered complexity. The result is a wine that is simultaneously aged and alive — a Ratafia with the structural ambition of a great Banyuls or Maury, yet with the unmistakable chalk-mineral identity of Ambonnay Grand Cru beneath it.

If you like tawny port or Colheita, this is on for you. Deep, lustrous amber colour, with notes of medjool dates, dried figs, muscovado and hazelnut. No doubt it will be enchanting every cheese board.

Ignoring trends since 1984, Eric tends his vineyards in organic and biodynamic viticulture, famously using aromatherapy on his 6 hectares in Ambonnay Grand Cru. While there is a myriad of rising stars in the region producing great Champagnes, Eric has been a pioneer in more ways than just using organic viticulture, he is an Iconic grower that inspired the new generation. The 2024 release marks a fresh start for Champagne Eric Rodez. Together with Eric we have identified a way to help all trade professionals, collectors, and consumers to better identify his “Vins d’Auteur” range year after year, The appearance of the Edition number on the label will offer better traceability and visibility in the market.

Release Date: 2025 Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir Vintage Assembly: 2015 & 2020 Vintage Vinification: Oak Barrels 100% Malolactic Fermentation: No