{"product_id":"henri-giraud-ratafia-champenois-solera-1990-2016-0-5l","title":"Henri Giraud Ratafia Champenois Solera 1990-2016 0.5L","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHenri Giraud is one of the oldest family-owned Champagne houses, traced back to the 17th century. It remained a grower-seller until Claude Giraud (12th generation) launched their own champagnes in 1990. Based in Aÿ Grand Cru, the house emphasizes terroir expression through biodynamic practices and aging in Argonne oak rather than stainless steel. Their portfolio ranges from intricate vintage champagnes to focused fortified mistelles such as this solera-aged Ratafia, underlining their commitment to artisanal quality and heritage.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Wine Maker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eProducer Claude Giraud leads operations, with cellarmaster Frédéric Mestelan overseeing vinification. Their goal: capture purity and aged complexity. For the Solera Ratafia, the team monitors entire solera blending across decades. A meticulous approach ensures every press and barrel addition reflects the house’s high standards. ()\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eRatafia uses later-press must from Grand Cru vineyards in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Pierry. The southeast-facing plots, on chalk-rich soils, yield concentrated must with phenolic depth. The cool continental climate, moderated by the Marne river, supports slow ripening and vibrant acidity—integral to the mistelle’s structure.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAfter gentle pressing, the must is fortified with local Marc de Champagne, halting fermentation. A solera system—initiated around 1990 and refreshed through 2016—matures the blend in small Argonne oak barrels. This continuous blend creates complexity, melding oxidative notes with freshness. Final filtration and stabilization produce the 5 L format.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAmber to copper-hued. Aromas of candied citrus, almond, honey, toffee, and confit cherry, layered with light spice and tobacco. Silky palate: nougat, candied ginger, maltose candy, marzipan, mellow herbal whispers and bold minerality. Balanced acidity provides lift, with a long finish of hazelnut and crème brûlée.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eServe alongside fruity desserts—melon, tarte aux fruits—or crèmeux and blue cheeses. Foie gras, nut-based gateaux, praline tarts, or Asian-spiced sweets also pair beautifully. Its versatility bridges sweet and savory elegantly. ()\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eChill to 7–10 °C in a tulip glass to concentrate aromatics. The 5 L format may include a dispensing pipette. No decanting needed. Store upright unless using a dispensing system. ()\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBottled in 2024, optimal drinking is from release through 2050. Proper cellaring (12–14 °C, dark, humid) will preserve and enhance tertiary complexity—oxidative nuances, honey, nutty depth remain vibrant over decades.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; percentage used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e70% Pinot Noir · 30% Chardonnay\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e16%\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Henri Giraud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922280857814,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/HenriGiraudRatafiaChampenoisSolera1990-20160.5L.png?v=1773668235","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/henri-giraud-ratafia-champenois-solera-1990-2016-0-5l","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}