What happens when the Chardonnay grape from Champagne is reborn?
It becomes Ratafia.
Summary
Wine: NV Vilmart et Cie Ratafia (NV=not a single vintage, came from a blend of harvests)
Region: Rilly-la-Montagne, Champagne, France
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Style: Fortified Dessert Wine
Producer: Vilmart et Cie
Restaurant: TORC, Napa
Tasting
Slightly effervescent, the Ratafia literally shimmers. In production, fermentation was paused midway and the spirit folded in and aged in wooden barrels. The wooden barrels give the honey, marzipan, caramel and cinnamon spice notes that float on top of bright lemon zest. A touch of brioche (from the yeast) closes the finish. The light bubbles act as gentle little punctuation marks.
Pairing
I paired the Ratafia with TORC’s red velvet cake. The lemon zest cut through the richness of the cream. The other notes of honey, marzipan, caramel and cinnamon harmonized with the cocoa.
Why It Matters
Dessert wines can be just as interesting as main course wines. Sweetness and acidity in balance can complete the meal.
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