Ratafia

About this wine

Praesidium's Ratafia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a traditional Italian liqueur that combines Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine with sour cherries, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor. This liqueur has a deep ruby red color and an intense aroma dominated by wild berries, especially black cherry. The taste is sweet and velvety, with the tartness of the sour cherries providing a pleasant balance. Traditionally consumed young to appreciate its fresh aromas, Ratafia has a history of being used to seal agreements, with the term 'ratafia' originating from the Latin phrase 'pax rata fiat,' meaning 'let peace be ratified.'

About the grape

Montepulciano is a red grape variety native to Italy, primarily cultivated in the Abruzzo region. It's known for producing deeply colored wines with moderate acidity and noticeable extract and alcohol levels. In the case of Praesidium Ratafia, this grape is combined with sour cherries to create a traditional liqueur from Abruzzo. The Montepulciano grapes used in this liqueur are grown organically, with practices like planting fava beans to enrich the soil and using only natural treatments against rot. This meticulous cultivation ensures the high quality of the grapes, contributing to the rich flavor profile of the Ratafia.

Quick facts

• 🍷🍒 Ratafià is a traditional liqueur from the Abruzzo region of Italy, crafted by infusing Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine with black cherries, resulting in a rich, aromatic beverage.
• 📜🤝 The name 'Ratafià' originates from the Latin phrase 'ut rata fiat,' meaning 'let the deed be ratified,' reflecting its historical use in sealing agreements and contracts.
• 🏞️🍷 Praesidium's Ratafià is produced using Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine and black cherries, some harvested near their vineyards, and has an alcohol content of 26.5%.
• 🍇🌄 The Montepulciano grape, native to the Abruzzo region, is known for its deep color and robust flavors, making it ideal for both wines and liqueurs like Ratafià.
• 🍨🥂 Traditionally, Ratafià is enjoyed chilled, often accompanying desserts or as a digestif, highlighting its versatility and cultural significance in Italian cuisine.

Palate profile

Producer

Praesidium is a family-run winery founded in 1988 by Enzo and Lucia Pasquale in Prezza, Italy. Enzo, deeply connected to his land, began producing wine in his youth, cultivating vineyards inherited from his grandparents. The winery's name, 'Praesidium,' reflects Prezza's historical role as a Roman defense garrison, emphasizing the deep connection between their Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines and the region's rich heritage. The Pasquale family manages approximately 5 hectares of vineyards using organic farming practices, ensuring their wines authentically express the local terroir.