Frequently Asked Questions about Ratafia Liqueur (part II)

Frequently asked questions about Ratafia Liqueur (part II) Updated October 2019

(FAQs #1 to #11 please visit  the following post Frequently Asked Questions about the Ratafia Liqueur (part One) )

12. What About the water contain when using fresh botanicals?

13. What about substances causing allergies?

14. What about water used in the preparation of the Ratafia Liqueur?

15. Una Ratafia Només es pot edulcorar amb sucre?

16. Has Stevia been approved as an ingredient for Ratafia Liqueur?

17. Has any ingredient maximum level of using or restrictions?

18. Is The alcoholic strenght of a Ratafia a real preserver?

---

12. What About the water contain when using fresh botanicals?

Please notice that water represents approx. 85% of the total weight of a not dried ingredient (i.e. green walnuts). Alcoholic strength of the maceration could be affected and diluted, mainly when working with high solid ingredients / liquid rate.

13.What about substances causing allergies?

Some ingredients commonly used in a Ratafia liqueur are potentially allergenic, basically the called “tree nuts”.

Ratafia Liqueur is always elaborated with Walnuts (Juglans regia), and some recipes almonds and hazelnuts too. According Regulation no 1169/2011 (art. 21) such allergenic ingredients should be declared on the label.

Please notice that this info is intended as a guide only.

Fig 1. Detail of a Ratafia Liqueur label as an example. “Contains tree nuts” declared. Pep Escudero 2019

14. What about water used in the preparation of the Ratafia Liqueur?

Only potable water should be used to prepare the Ratafia Liqueur. According EU Regulation 110/2008 (Annex I (6) “addition of water”): water on the quality for human consumption. Note: Since RE 110/2008 has been repealed by RE 2019/787. According Article 2 of this new Regulation “Definition of and requirements for spirit drink” (f): if water, which may be distilled, demineralised, permuted or softened, has been added in its production:

(i) the quality of that water complies with Council Directive 98/83/EC and Directive 2009/54/EC.

(ii) the alcoholic strength of the spirit drink, after the addition of the water, still complies with the minimum alcoholic strength by volume

Both in Catalonia and Spain, tap water is always potable when following Real Decreto 140/2003 “quality of water intended for human consumption law”.

This water may be distilled, demineralized, permuted or softened.

Bottled natural mineral waters and spring waters are a good option for amateur/homemade producers.

Please avoid spring/well waters or water from any source if not controlled by the public sanitary authorities.

Fig 2. EU Regulation 110/2008. Annex I (6). Note (from April 2019): Have a look at new EU Regulation 2019/787. Article 2 (f).

15. Can others sweeteners than sucrose be used when preparing the Ratafia Liqueur?

Yes it is. Ratafia is normally sweetened using sucrose (regular sugar) as an ingredient. However several ingredients are available for sweetening purposes in the preparation of spirit drinks: EU Regulation 110/2008 (Annex I (3): “sweetening”) such as: dextrose, fructose, glucose syrup, concentrated grape must, burned sugar, honey, carob sugar, etc..

 

Fig 3. EU Regulation 110/2008. Annex I (3) “sweeting of spirit drinks”. Pep Escudero 2019

Sweetness value varies from one sweetener to other, i.e. fructose is sweeter than sucrose or dextrose. Colour, aroma or taste of the final product can vary too.

Please have a look to the post “syrup for the Ratafia: How to prepare” (in Catalan Language only) El xarop de la Ratafia: Càlculs. (juny 2016)

Notice that only sucrose (regular sugar) can be used when preparing Ratafia Liqueur according the Regulation of the Geographical Indication Ratafia Catalana  La IGP Ratafia Catalana (juny2018) 

Fig 4. Table of Physical properties of fructose, glucose & sucrose. Ext from J. S. White, White Technical Research, Argenta, IL, USA.

16. Has stevia been approved as an ingredient for Ratafia Liqueur?

No it has not. Actually only steviol glycosides (E-960) are approved by the EU as a sweetener but not the Stevia plant. This sweetener has up to 200-300 times the sweetness of sucrose. EU Regulation no 1131/2011.

Note: RE No 110/2008 of “spirit drinks” will be repealed soon by a new EU Regulation, and maybe it will approve steviol glycosides in preparation of spirit drinks.

 

17. Has any ingredient maximum level of using or restrictions?

Yes, there are some substances used for flavouring purposes than only can be used in certain food. The maximum level presence in the final food is also regulated.

Ratafia liqueur recipes than use Wormwood or Artemisia sp  (due to alpha-beta Thujones), wall germander Teucrium chamaedrys L (due to Teucrin A), Horse mints Mentha longifolia and Satureja sp (due to Pulegone). Some Ratafia also has bitter almond as an ingredient (affected substance the Hydrocyanic acid)

Note that wall germander and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) may only be used for the production of alcoholic beverages according the EU Regulation 1334/2088 Annex IV.

According to the EU Food labeling Regulation No 1169/2011 the statement ‘contains liquorice’ must be added when labeling for Beverages containing glycyrrhizinic acid or its ammonium salt due to the addition of the substance(s) as such or the liquorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra at concentrations of ≥300 mg/L (ppm) in the case of beverages containing more than 1,2 % by volume of alcohol, that is for example a Ratafia Liqueur including liquorice as an ingredient.

Fig 5. Detail of the book “Medicinal plants of Penedès Region” López, M et Caralt,F. Edited by: Sta Margarida i els Monjos Municipal Council. 2017.

 

18. Is the alcoholic strenght of a Ratafia a preserver?

Yes it is. Nowadays, according EU regulation an indication of the date of minimum durability shall not be required for beverages containing ≥10% by volume of alcohol.

Alcoholic strength must be kept at least at 25% by volume or above during all the process of a Ratafia liqueur preparation.

During the traditional maceration process known as “sol i serena” (night & day), strong evaporation of ethanol can occurs on the liquid surface, and because of oxygen some molds and yeast could metabolized some sugars with gas (CO2) production.

Ratafia Liqueur contains between 22-29% ABV, enough to prevent the growth of harmful pathogens bacteria, i.e. Salmonella sp, Bacillus sp, Streptococcus sp, Listeria sp, etc

 

Note: Any FAQs? Please Contact us at….

ratafiaespiells@gmail.com

© Of this post by Pep Escudero, May 2019. (updated October 2019 by Pep Escudero)

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ratafia Liqueur (part I) Last update Sept-2023

FAQs (Questions & Answers)

1.What exactly a Ratafia is?

Well,… Ratafia is a liqueur, that’s all! According Regulation (EC) no 2019/787 a Liqueur is a spirit drink, having a mínimum sugar content, expressed as invert  sugar, of 100g/L, and the mínimum alcoholic strength by volume shall be 15% ABV (30º US proof ). What is a Ratafia Catalana Liqueur?

2. Is any Ratafia always Ratafia Catalana European Geographical Indication (GI)?

Nop, Ratafia is a liqueur widely produced but only products produced according Order (Act) Dpt of Agriculture Govt of Catalonia ARP/243/2017, October 25th, DOGC No. 7484, 30-10-2017, which established the Protected Geographical Indication must be considered Protected “Ratafia Catalana” GI.

3. Is Any institution promote and expand the enthusiams for the Ratafia Liqueur?

Yes of course!, A non-profit institution called “Confraria de la Ratafia of the Village of Santa Coloma de Farners” promotes this liqueur since many years ago! its motto: “The Ratafia’s Universe”  http://confrariaratafia.cat/

Ratafia Catalana GI is officially promoted and protected by its regulatiory Council   https://ratafiacatalana.com/   as well as the EU’s Intellectual Property system that  legally protects its name against imitation and misuse within the EU and in non-EU countries where a specific protection agreement has been signed.  https://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/ambits/alimentacio/segells-qualitat-diferenciada/distintius-origen/indicacions-geografiques-begudes-alcoholiques-espirituoses/ratafia-catalana/index.html#googtrans(ca|en)

 

4. What a Ratafia is and what not?

It’s quite easy: It’s a liqueur, that’s all! Well, It is an herbs & spices liqueur (herbal liqueur). So, …. Ratafia is not a fortified wine, non an apperitive like vermouth or other aromatised wine products, Non a mistelle (muted grape must) , non a sweet fortified muscat, non a Madeira, “rancio” or Sherry style wine, and so and so….

5. Is a Ratafia a natural product?

Nop, Ratafia can’t be found hanging upon a tree! that’s the fact. That’s mean than a human being decides how is going to be every drop of Ratafia you will find in a bottle and in your glass. No humans….no Ratafia! 

6. What about Artisan or also called Craft Ratafia?

There is not a legal or at 100% clear definition about this matter. When we say “Craft Ratafia” we actually are talking about  “amateur” or “homemade” Ratafia. Labelling a commertial Ratafia as a “artisan” product is right now not legal and also we can say it’s a miuse of the idea behind a “craft” spirit drink product should be.

7. Ratafia, an overview.

Every Liqueur has two main characteristics: its alcoholic strength by volume and its sugar content. Ratafias usually have 24%ABV (48-58 ºproof) and more than 120 grams of sugar per litre.

8. Is the green walnut mandatory in all Ratafias as an ingredient?

Yes it is. Both Ratafia and certified Ratafia Catalana PGI must be elaborated using green walnuts as a main ingredient. The unriped fruits of Juglans regia (known as Persian or english walnut). Legally: Ratafia is a liqueur elaborated basically with green walnuts. Its flavour can be completed with other aromatic plants.

9. What’s in your Ratafia? Energy, Nutrients?

A ratafia contains nutrients, basically ethanol and sugar. 1 gram of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) contains seven calories (29 kJ) and 1 gram of sugar four (17 kJ).

Note that Alcoholic beverages greater than 1.2% ABV are exempt from the mandatory  ingredient list and nutrition declaration requirements EU Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers (1169/2011). According the EU REgulation 2021/2117 these information will be mandatory by december 2023, not yet clear if via a QR attached at the label or directlty impress at the label.

Spirits sector annex to the self-regulatory proposal from the European alcoholic beverages sectors on the provision of nutrition information and ingredients listing https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/safety/docs/fs_labelling-nutrition_legis_alcohol-self-regulatory-proposal_annex-spirits-en.pdf

Companies voluntary info websites as an example: Diageo  web diageo nutricional or Pernord Ricard Group web info nutricional Pernord Ricard

10. How to calculate energy-calories of my Ratafia?

It’s quite easy if you know the exactly amount of ethanol and sugar of your Ratafia liqueur. Ratafias, like other complex spirits, normally do not contain other energy nutrients i.e. fat, proteins, etc.

Calculation: ABV of Ratafia x 5.6 = Amount of Kcal/100mL.

(As an example, a Ratafia of 25%ABV …. 25 x 5.6 = 140 kcal/100mL (that is 577 kJ))

What about sugar?

You must know the amount of sugar per litre, normally that is from 120-250g/L.

Calculation: Sugars g/L x 0.4 = Amount of Kcal/100mL El xarop de la Ratafia: Càlculs. (juny 2016)

(As an example, a  Ratafia of 150g/L sugar … 150 x 0.4 = 60 kcal/mL (247 KJ))

This exemple would equal 140+60 = 200 kcal/100mL (824 kJ).

Note: Serving size for spirits is 30mL, that’s approx. 60kcal (247 kJ).

11. Does a Ratafia ever expire?

Nop, liqueurs are shelf stable.

According the EU regulation beverages of 10% ABV or higher are exemplet from indicate Date of minimum durability or ‘use by’ date;

Note: Any FAQs? Please Contact us at….

ratafiaespiells@gmail.com

© Of this post by Pep Escudero, 2019. Original post: Feb 2019. Last Update: sept the 29th 2023.

What is a Ratafia Catalana Liqueur?(updated 2023)

1.Ratafia Catalana.

Order May 12th, 1998, concerning the Regulation of the Geographical Ind Ratafia Catalana DOGC 2650 05/29th/1998. Article 4: “the Catalan Ratafia is a liqueur made basically with green walnuts. Its flavor can be completed with other aromatic plants.” Among other characteristics, its alcoholic strenght by volume shall be 26-29% (52-58º proof), having a mínimum sugar contain between 200-300 g/L.

Article 5:”maduration for at least 3 months in wooden cask not exceeding 1000L capacity” (This act was repealed by Order Dpt of Agriculture Regional Gov of Catalonia ARP/243/2017, October 25th, DOGC No. 7484, 30-10-2017, which established the Protected Geographical Indication PGI Ratafia Catalana regulation).

The liquor produced is called “Catalan Ratafia” by hydroalcoholic maceration basically of green walnuts, and the incorporation of a mixture of aromatic plants.
Physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics:
Physico-chemical parameters: Alcohol strenght by volume: 24% ABV to 30% ABV (48-60 ºproof). Sugar: between 100 and 400 g/lL (expressed as invert sugar).
Organoleptic parameters: Color: Brown with a caramel hue that can vary in intensity, but that in any case
It will be between Pantone 464 and 469. Taste: It has evident green walnuts aroma and flavors. Texture: dense and viscous.

More recently, the EU Regulation no. 110/2008 Oficial Journal of the EU 13/02/2008 that regulates among spirit drinks, annex III (Geographical Indications) contemplates within category 32 (Liqueurs) the Catalan Ratafia.

Note: On May the 17th,  the REGULATION (EU) 2019/787 was published in the Official Journal of the EU,  repealing The EU Regulation no. 110/2008.

For further info please visit: Regulation (EU) 2019/787 Spirit drinks

For further info please please visit: La IGP Ratafia Catalana (juny2018) (in catalan)

2.Ratafia  (Generic liqueur, not PGI)

Real Decreto 164/2014 (published on BOE “Official State Gazete” 26-3-2014) article 7, paragraph h):

“h) Ratafia: liqueur elaborated basically with green walnuts. Its flavor can be completed with other aromatic plants.”

According Regulation (EC) no 2019/787 a Liquor is a spirit drink, having a mínimum sugar content, expressed as invert sugar, of 100g/L, and the mínimum alcoholic strength by volume shall be 15%ABV. (30º proof).

The best-selling ratafia brand that’s represents 60% of the market has 26%ABV, and the average amount of sugar of the ratafies found in the stores is around 200 g/L, like other common and popular liqueurs.

Picture 1: Bottle of Ratafia produced by the students of the School of Viticulture & Oenlogy (for educational purpose only). Picture by Pep Escudero 2017.

© Of this post by Pep Escudero, January 2019 (updated june 2019 – april 2022 – march 2023)

Protegit: Índex de polifenols totals / Polyphenol Index (updated Feb 2019)

El contingut està protegit amb contrasenya. Per veure’l, introduïu la contrasenya a continuació:

Contrasenya: