Champagne Ruinart

Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house. Founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in Épernay, it was not until later that the company moved to Reims. Today, it is owned by the LVMH Group.

The Ruinart Champagne House has continued to thrive since the 1980s, a revival spearheaded by Jean-François Barot, Cellar Master from 1985 to 2002. Today, the talented Frédéric Panaïotis is responsible for carrying on the tradition of the famous and instantly recognizable “Ruinart taste.”

Ruinart Champagne wines are prized for the precise expression they offer of their terroir of origin, characterized by great delicacy and aromatic purity, with beautifully expressed minerality.

Ruinart: More Than Just a Champagne Brand

The House of Ruinart was founded by a revolutionary monk and pioneer of his time. Before 1792, when champagne did not yet possess its now-famous delightful and balanced flavor, the Benedictine monk Dom Thierry Ruinart invented this type of sparkling wine for the first time. His work went on to achieve unparalleled success and laid the foundation for this exceptional brand. From “sparkling wine” to Champagne, the monk’s invention has spanned nearly three centuries and still retains its purity. A leader in its field, the House was the first to bring Rosé Champagne to market, among other innovations, further setting itself apart from the competition. It was also the first to use chalk cellars as storage facilities. 

A source of pride for both Reims and France, the vineyards and cellars of Maison Ruinart are now open to the public, though visits require an appointment. Unique and majestic, Maison Ruinart has also been designated a historic site and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. 

Ruinart champagnes have thus become a true legacy in the art of champagne and in the cultural sphere. Indeed, the brand was particularly prized by the aristocracy and high society. Since their creation, these champagnes have symbolized the quintessential French way of life. 

“The Chardonnay grape is the soul of the House of Ruinart.” The abundance of Chardonnay grapes in the hills of Reims has shaped the signature style and distinct character of Ruinart champagnes.

The Chardonnay grape variety, often referred to as the "golden grape," is a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Chardonnay adapts easily to its environment while remaining easy to cultivate. The Chardonnay produced by Maison Ruinart remains unrivaled. 

Chardonnay, the cornerstone of the brand’s taste and flavor profile, serves as the foundation for the house’s various blends. The brand’s identity and signature consistently reflect balance, freshness, elegance, and finesse.

The wide variety of champagnes offers plenty of choices at a great value. From iconic champagnes, such as Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, to more affordable Ruinart champagnes, there’s something to please every palate.

R de Ruinart, the house’s Brut cuvée with a fruity bouquet, deserves special attention, as Brut champagne is the house’s signature expression. R de Ruinart Brut champagne is a blend of three different grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier. The cuvée perfectly captures the balanced flavor profile of these grapes.

R de Ruinart boasts a clear, brilliant yellow color, reflecting the golden hue and perfection of a brut champagne. A fresh, fruity aroma emerges on the first sniff. Floral and spicy notes follow, revealing greater intensity on the second sniff, with a hint of biscuit.

The first sip of this brut champagne reveals a clean, crisp flavor. Its fruity character is immediately apparent. With a well-integrated dosage, it forms the foundation of a balanced, round, and full-bodied wine. The R de Ruinart comes in several vintages that are definitely worth trying, such as the 2009, the 2010, and the 2011 R de Ruinart.