Something entirely new from Langham Wine Estate
Introducing 'Ratafia of England'
We’re proud to share something entirely new from Langham Wine Estate. Ratafia of England is a limited-edition sweet 'mistelle' wine crafted in collaboration with Capreolus Distillery in the Cotswolds. Made solely from estate-grown Pinot Noir, it’s a meticulous interpretation of the traditional Ratafia — fresh grape juice preserved in its purest form by the addition of an exceptional spirit.
This inaugural release of just 517 bottles brings together the juice of the 2025 harvest with a spirit distilled from the 2024 fruit, both grown on our Cretaceous chalk soils here in rural Dorset. Bottled at 18% ABV and presented in elegant 375 ml tubes, it captures the perfume, brightness and minerality that define our vineyard.
Whole bunches of Pinot Noir from 2024 were hand-sorted and slowly fermented with indigenous yeasts at Capreolus Distillery in Cirencester, under the careful watch of Barney Wilczak — one of the world’s foremost distillers of fruit eaux-de-vie. Each precious litre of spirit concentrates a remarkable 33kg of Pinot Noir grapes, distilled twice and matured for a year before being blended with oxidatively pressed juice from the following vintage.
The result is a wine glowing with orchard fruit and flowers, balanced by mineral purity and a gentle warmth from the spirit.
“This project has been quietly evolving for two years, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Working with Barney has allowed us to explore our fruit from a different angle — with the purity of distillation and the passion he has for his craft. It’s generous, incisive and simply delicious — a true meeting point between Langham and Capreolus.”
Tommy Grimshaw, Head Winemaker
Ratafia of England shows lifted notes of dried orchard fruit and orange blossom, with a gentle sweetness balanced by bright acidity and black-tea astringency. Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, alongside cheese or fruit-based desserts, or simply enjoy as a contemplative digestif.
In 375 ml bottles and presented in beautiful gift tubes, Ratafia of England is available to pre-order now for delivery from Wednesday 3rd December.
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