Ratafia Champenois, Lounge No 2. Gounel Lassalle 50cl

This winemaker makes wine as if he came from another planet. Everything has been thought through in detail and nothing is left to chance.

Champagne from Chigny-les-Roses, a Premier Cru village located halfway between Reims and Epernay and is one of 44 Premier Cru villages in Champagne. Arnaud Gounel and his wife Sophie are passionate Champagne producers with an in-depth knowledge that arouses curiosity about the techniques, fermentation processes and methods behind Champagne making. Arnaud represents the fourth generation of Champagne makers in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, a region known for its high-quality Champagne production. Their grapes are grown on 29 separate plots, each of which has a unique microclimate, which influences the characteristics of the resulting grapes. Gounel Lassalle's plots are currently undergoing a transformation to organic farming.

Aged for 3 years in oak barrels. 100% Meunier! This golden elixir called Ratafia from Champenois is slightly sweet and elegantly fruity, but has acquired a very special complexity due to the special maturation of no less than 3 years in oak barrels. Ratafia is made from Champagne must and the addition of brandy. Matured in oak barrels. Unlike sparkling champagne, ratafia is a softly sweet, fortified wine without bubbles. The addition of alcohol stops the fermentation process, so that not all sugars are converted, and the ratafia remains (slightly) sweet in taste and can be kept in the refrigerator for months after opening. Ratafia can best be compared to a delicious dessert wine.

The name is derived from the Latin phrase "Res Rata fiat," which means "The matter is settled." And another did you know is that in Victorian England this drink was served at the end of the dinner when an agreement had been made. 18% alcohol.