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Viognier Ratafia

HISTORY

"Ratafia is the thick, sweet, peach-coloured aperitif of the Champagne district." "... a few moments after the juice has been pressed out of the champagne grapes brandy (ideally cognac) is added to it ... the mixture is put in cask and later bottled." "... that Ratafia is not better known outside the Champagne district is a pity, ..."
Patrick Forbes, Champagne: the wine, the land and the people, pp. 379-381

"Ratafia may be red, white or pink, it is an alcoholic beverage which has not undergone fermentation, ..."
Tom Stevenson, Champagne, p. 158

FOODS

Veal dishes, turkey, full flavoured fish

Cheeses - rich, piquant blue veined cheese

Raisin tarts, gateau, Dutch licorice biscuits

Melon and strawberries are preferred fruits

Pineau des Charentes - not to be confused with this Ratafia is made with "noble" grapes whereas Pineau des Charentes is made from Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Semillon, but sometimes it is made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Usually drunk within two years of harvest and no vintage date. Some allowed to oxidise to an almost sherry-like "rancio".

So as you can see the differences are great but the similarity is in the fortifying of the fresh juice at pressing.

HAAN RATAFIA VIOGNIER

Truly a unique wine for we know of no other Ratafia style made from Vigonier. In this instance we have wines from two years, 2001 and 2002. 2001 gave us the pressings wine and 2002 the free run juice. Combined, these two give power, flavour and yet liveliness with still the honeysuckle character of Viognier showing through.

Wood aged in French oak to allow the softening of the neutral spirit (brandy would kill the Viognier character). We believe this to be the most intriguing dessert wine yet made in Australia.

Pure in sweetness, spirit and grape variety, enhanced by maturation in French oak for 18 months and now fully developed, but still very lively. Rich but with balancing acidity to dance across the tongue, especially when served with fruit poached in Viognier Ratafia and wrapped in thin crepes with whipped cream. Truly hedonistic!

However, it is also a superb aperitif. Serve over ice-blocks in summer; and straight up in winter - the sheer flavour and balance has to be experienced to be believed.

Haan Ratafia Viognier follows the Haan philosophy of making great wines from their Barossa estate. First in the Barossa floor to plant Viognier, the Haan vision of Viognier continues through their magnificent table wines of Viognier and Prestige Viognier. Leaders in their own right in Barossa Viognier and with a range no other makers can match.

AVAILABILTY

Only 67 dozen made. Available in 375ml bottles in cartons of one dozen per carton.