Liquore alla Ciliegia 'Ratafià' La Valdotaine
This Liquore alla Ciliegia ‘Ratafià’ by La Valdotaine is a fruit liqueur from Valle d'Aosta. This recipe's name, 'Ratafià', is said to derive from the Latin 'rata fiat' ('let it be decided'). A glass of this liqueur accompanied verbal agreements in ancient times: a signature to seal the contract. Intense red in colour, the nose is dominated by the scent of fresh cherries and sugar, and is distinguished by its sweet and hearty flavour, great body and fruity hints that linger in the mouth for a long time
The small distillery from Aosta Valley, La Valdotaine, presents its Cherry Liqueur ‘Ratafià’, a traditional liqueur from the Alpine arch, and beyond, that carries with it the flavor and aroma of cherries. In general, the term “ratafià” refers to infusions made from alcohol and fruit, and among these, cherry ratafià is one of the most widespread and appreciated. It is a traditional liqueur from various Italian regions, such as Piemonte, Abruzzo, Lazio, and, indeed, Valle d’Aosta, as well as from some areas of Spain, France, and Switzerland. Due to the established tradition behind it, the ratafià from Piemonte, Abruzzo, and Aosta Valley have received recognition among the traditional Italian agri-food products (P.A.T.). It seems that the origin of the word “ratafià” can be traced back to the Latin “rata fiat”, an expression translatable as “let it be done”, likely alluding to the fact that in ancient times this liqueur was often consumed to seal a verbal contract.
The ‘Ratafià’ Cherry Liqueur from La Valdotaine is produced through the combination of alcohol,precious cherry juice and grappa, all diluted with the water from the spring "Acqueverdi", which flows between the alpine peaks at 1,400 meters above sea level. The liqueur is also added with a certain amount of sugar, important to balance its taste. The final packaging takes place in a characteristic 70 cl bottle that recalls the shape of elixirs sold in pharmacies between the 1800s and the early 1900s.
Intense cherry red is the color of the Cherry Liqueur 'Ratafià' by La Valdotaine, which on the nose expresses vivid hints of sour cherry. On the palate, it is fruity and just sweet, full-bodied and with an intense aftertaste of sour cherry that accompanies the finish.