Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin - Ratafia de Champagne (Private Reserve) old

Presentation of the Veuve Clicquot House

Founded in 1772 in Reims, the Maison Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is one of the most prestigious Champagne houses. It owes its international success to Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (the "Veuve Clicquot"), who took over the estate in 1805. The Maison is based in Reims and is renowned for its innovation (riddling table) and its commitment to the excellence of its Grands and Premiers Crus.

Presentation of Ratafia de Champagne and its rarity status

Champagne Ratafia is a Vin de Liqueur (VDL) made by adding wine brandy to fresh grape must to stop fermentation. This bottle is exceptional for several reasons:

• Rarity Status: This Ratafia is a testament to limited production and most likely comes from a private reserve of the House, making it impossible to find on the traditional market.
• Packaging: The crown cap closure (beer cap) is typical of very old batches intended for prolonged storage or internal testing, confirming its character as a collector's item.
• Notes: Ratafia takes on a beautiful amber color over time. The nose is powerful and evolves into dried fruits, fig, prune, hazelnut , and spices. The palate is rich, smooth, and harmonious.

Production Period and Aging

Liqueur wines like Ratafia have a natural aptitude for aging for several decades. The very classic label style and capsule packaging suggest an old bottling (pre-1970s). This long aging in the cellar has allowed it to develop an extraordinary aromatic complexity.

Bottle condition

• Level: Perfect
• Color: Perfect (Intense Amber)
• Label Condition: Very Lightly Worn (Classic for Age)
• Capsule Condition: Perfect (crown capsule)
• Overall condition of the bottle: Excellent

Food and Wine Pairing

This Ratafia goes wonderfully with:

• Blue-veined cheeses (Roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert).
• Desserts with dried fruits and honey.
• Quality dark chocolate.