Ratafia
Style – Ratafia Fortified Wine : Type – Pinot Noir Précoce Vineyard : Source – Shropshire / Herefordshire
Vinification.
- Fully ripe Pinot Noir Précoce grapes are de-stemmed to terracotta amphora One week of carbonic maceration.
- Fortification using husk spirit is blended and left to macerate for 6 months.
- Pressed in spring, the young fortified wine is transferred back to the amphora.
- Early autumn blended into a solera oak barrel maturation system for extended barrel ageing.
Maturation – Multi-vintage Solera barrel ageing | New wine added after bottling in early autumn.
Blend Vintage ratio – 2022 30% : 2023 30% : 2024 30% Analysis – Alcohol = 17.32 % | Residual Sugar = 63 g/l Release Date – 11th November 2025 | Production –
Bottling Date – 15th August 2025 | Total Acid = 5.6 g/l | pH = 3.89
450 x 500ml
Notes – As an early maturing variety our Pinot Noir Précoce is able to achieve a high level of ripeness by mid- autumn after an extended hang time to concentrate flavours. This is classed as a fortified wine but is dissimilar to other conventional styles. While borrowing tried and tested methods the wine showcases a distinct difference with the typical freshness of Pinot Noir and satin-like texture while the essence of the husk spirit adds to the unusually moreish sipping experience, made complete having had time in the solera.
The name – “Gonzo”: Very strange or bizarre, of an exaggerated nature.
Pairing – Typically really versatile, at the end of a meal with cheeses and/or richer desserts.
