Champagne Le Mesnil Ratafia de Chardonnay NV

Le Mesnil is a major supplier of base wines (vin clair) to other prestigious Champagne houses, including Krug, Salong, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger, while also producing its own cuvées.

Founded in 1937, the vineyards of Le Mesnil sur Oger have a truly excellent terroir, the quality of their vineyards comes from the fact that they are east-facing. With vineyard topsoil over a base layer of chalk the vineyards have excellent hydric qualities thus allowing the chardonnay grape to reach their full potential. 

Grape Varietals & Region: 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru plots in Cote des Blanc, Champagne, France. The vines are planted by over 500 growers on the prestigious chal slops of Le Mesnil sur Oger, one of 17 Grand Crus in Champagne

The origin of the word Ratafia comes from the Latin Rata Fiat which meant: that the treaty be ratified. It was customary to share a glass when a deal was concluded.

Taste Profile: The amber-colored Ratafia Le Mesnil offers a beautiful length on the round and silky palate. Its nose of buttered toast, mango jam, honey, peach in syrup will delight your sense of smell. On the palate, Ratafia is warm with notes of candied fruits and exotic fruits as well as notes of raisins on the finish. It is usually consumed as an aperitif. 

Winemaking Process: Ratafia is a drink obtained by mutating Champagne grape juice to which wine alcohol is added, a blend of Marc and Fine de Champagne. It is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 6 months.