Rene Geoffroy Ratafia de Champagne, 500ml

Ratafia is a rare and delicious beverage with very old roots. Technically it is not a wine, as the grapes were never fermented. Instead, fresh grape juice is preserved with the addition of brandy. Traditionally ratafia was used by seafaring sailors to have fresh juice to prevent scurvy. Today it is in still made in several regions in Europe, most notably Champagne. Typically it is consumed only by the Champenois themselves due to an oddity of tax law. Winemakers in Champagne must pay taxes on every bottle of wine in their cellars, whether they drink it or sell it. But, since ratafia is not a wine, they don't have to pay taxes on it, and so they often indulge in it. Very few producers export their ratafia, but Rene Geoffroy is one of the exceptional few. Enjoy this wonderful treat with chocolate, cheeses, or poured over ice cream.