RuinartProducer from Champagne, France

Founded in 1729, Ruinart holds the distinction of being the oldest established Champagne house in the world. For nearly three centuries, Ruinart has been synonymous with elegance, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Its story began with a visionary monk, Dom Thierry Ruinart, whose knowledge and foresight into the future of sparkling wine laid the foundation for the house’s legacy. Today, Ruinart continues to craft some of the finest Champagnes, celebrated for their finesse, purity, and exceptional quality.

History of Ruinart

The history of Ruinart begins with Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Thierry had close ties to the courts of Louis XIV, and it was there that he first encountered the early iterations of sparkling wine. Recognising the potential of this effervescent drink, he shared his vision with his nephew, Nicolas Ruinart.

In 1729, Nicolas Ruinart established the house of Ruinart in Reims, the heart of the Champagne region. Originally a cloth merchant, Nicolas shifted his focus entirely to Champagne production just one year after the company’s founding, making Ruinart the first official Champagne house. The house’s success grew rapidly, and by the mid-18th century, Ruinart Champagnes were sought after by European nobility.

Over the centuries, the Ruinart family has maintained a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation. The house was one of the first to use the region’s famous chalk cellars, or crayères, to age their wines, recognising the unique properties of these underground caverns in creating ideal conditions for ageing. These chalk cellars, which date back to Roman times, are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and remain integral to the house’s winemaking process.

Ruinart’s Terroir and Winemaking Philosophy

Ruinart is renowned for its exceptional vineyards, many of which are classified as Premier and Grand Cru. The house sources grapes from some of the finest vineyards in the Champagne region, focusing predominantly on Chardonnay, which forms the backbone of Ruinart’s signature style. Chardonnay, prized for its freshness, elegance, and delicate aromatics, is used extensively in their prestige cuvée, Dom Ruinart, as well as in their classic Blanc de Blancs.

The house’s winemaking philosophy revolves around purity, precision, and balance. Ruinart’s cellar master works meticulously to blend grapes from different vineyards and vintages to craft Champagnes that are harmonious and expressive of their terroir. Ageing takes place in Ruinart’s chalk cellars, where the cool, consistent temperature and humidity levels allow the wines to develop complexity and depth over time.

Ruinart’s commitment to sustainability has also become a cornerstone of its philosophy. The house has adopted sustainable vineyard practices, including organic methods and eco-friendly packaging, to reduce its environmental impact.

---

Champagnes produced by Ruinart:

Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Vintage

Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is the house’s prestige cuvée, crafted from 100% Chardonnay, primarily from Grand Cru vineyards. Known for its remarkable complexity and depth, this vintage Champagne is aged for over a decade in Ruinart’s chalk cellars, allowing it to develop rich flavours of brioche, almond, and dried fruits alongside its signature citrus and floral notes. This is a luxurious, refined Champagne with a long, lingering finish, ideal for special occasions and fine dining.

R de Ruinart Brut

Ruinart Brut, also known as "R" de Ruinart, is the house’s signature non-vintage Champagne. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this Champagne is known for its harmonious character and vibrant freshness. It presents aromas of apple, pear, and almond with subtle notes of brioche and hazelnuts. On the palate, it offers a round, creamy texture with a crisp finish, making it a versatile Champagne perfect for both celebrations and casual enjoyment.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from Premier Cru vineyards. Known for its freshness, purity, and elegance, this Champagne exemplifies the house’s dedication to showcasing Chardonnay's finest qualities. It offers delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus, and fresh stone fruits, with a creamy texture and bright acidity on the palate. Blanc de Blancs is an excellent aperitif Champagne, known for its refined style and long, mineral-driven finish.

Ruinart Rosé

Ruinart Rosé is a blend of 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir, showcasing a beautiful balance between richness and freshness. With its vibrant salmon-pink hue, this rosé exudes aromas of red fruits like raspberry, cherry, and strawberry, accompanied by floral and spice notes. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with flavours of ripe fruits and a touch of citrus. This lively yet elegant Champagne is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.