Ruinart R: The Iconic Champagne House’s Signature Blend

Ruinart Champagne, the oldest Champagne house, has been perfecting luxury French sparkling wine since 1729. This LVMH-owned brand showcases nearly three centuries of expertise in crafting elegant Blanc de Blancs and rosé cuvées. Each bottle, from the signature R de Ruinart to the prestigious Dom Ruinart line, reflects Ruinart’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

The house’s dedication to quality is evident in its pricing. For instance, the Ruinart R de Ruinart 2015 Champagne is available for €510.00, while the Blanc de Blancs fetches €540.00 per unit. These prices underscore Ruinart’s position in the luxury Champagne market, offering discerning consumers a taste of French sophistication.

Ruinart’s chalk cellars, or crayères, play a crucial role in the aging process of their champagnes. These historic underground chambers, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, provide the perfect conditions for developing complex flavors and aromas. These elements define Ruinart’s signature style.

Key Takeaways

• Ruinart is the first established Champagne house, founded in 1729
• LVMH owns Ruinart, positioning it in the luxury Champagne market
• Ruinart specializes in Blanc de Blancs and rosé cuvées
• The brand’s historic chalk cellars are UNESCO World Heritage listed
• Prices range from €311 for R de Ruinart to €595 for Dom Ruinart Rosé
• Ruinart emphasizes Chardonnay from celebrated terroirs
• The house blends tradition with artistic innovation in packaging

The Legacy of Maison Ruinart: First Champagne House Founded in 1729

Maison Ruinart, established in 1729, holds the distinction of being the first Champagne house in history. This prestigious brand has shaped Champagne history with its innovative approach and commitment to quality.

Dom Thierry Ruinart’s Visionary Beginning

The story of Ruinart begins with Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk whose vision sparked the creation of this iconic Champagne house. His nephew, Nicolas Ruinart, turned this dream into reality by founding Maison Ruinart in 1729.

From Textile Merchants to Champagne Pioneers

Initially, Nicolas Ruinart offered Champagne as a gift with fabric purchases, blending his textile business with wine production. This unique approach set the stage for Ruinart’s future success in commercial Champagne production.

Royal Decree and Commercial Success

The Louis XV edict of 1728 allowed wine bottling, enabling widespread Champagne shipping. This royal decree paved the way for Ruinart’s rapid growth. By 1735, Nicolas Ruinart shifted focus entirely to Champagne production, marking the beginning of a new era in the sparkling wine industry.

Historic Chalk Cellars: The Heart of Ruinart’s Excellence

Ruinart’s legacy is deeply rooted in the Reims chalk quarries, known as crayères. These ancient Gallo-Roman quarries, acquired by the house in 1768, form an impressive network of Champagne cellars stretching over 8 kilometers.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Recognition

The Saint-Nicaise quarries, home to Ruinart’s cellars, earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015. This recognition highlights the historical and cultural significance of these Champagne aging sites.

Perfect Aging Conditions in the Crayères

The crayères offer ideal conditions for Champagne aging. At depths of up to 38 meters, these cellars maintain a constant temperature between 10-12°C year-round. This stable environment, coupled with perfect humidity levels, creates the optimal setting for Ruinart’s wines to develop their distinctive character.

Underground Champagne Production During World Wars

During times of conflict, the crayères served as a sanctuary for Ruinart’s production. In World War I, flooding forced André Ruinart to work from a floating raft in the cellars. World War II saw Nazi forces raid the underground chambers, destroying pre-1945 vintages. Despite these challenges, the resilience of Ruinart’s team ensured the continuation of their Champagne-making tradition.

Ruinart R: The Signature Blend’s Distinctive Character

R de Ruinart epitomizes the pinnacle of Ruinart’s legacy. This non-vintage Champagne blend exemplifies the house’s dedication to quality and tradition. It is a reflection of Ruinart’s winemaking ethos, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

The Ruinart Champagne blend is a masterpiece of flavor balance. Chardonnay is the dominant grape, lending it a Chardonnay-dominant character. This variety infuses the blend with grace and sophistication. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier enhance the Chardonnay, adding layers of complexity and structure.

The aging process of R de Ruinart is both extensive and meticulous. It spends 2-3 years in Ruinart’s historic chalk cellars. This prolonged aging exceeds the minimum for non-vintage Champagnes, resulting in a rich and refined flavor profile.

The unique character of R de Ruinart is evident in its tasting notes. The nose is greeted with a complex bouquet of aromas. The palate experiences a perfect balance of creaminess and vivacity. This non-vintage Champagne is distinguished by its freshness and enduring finish, embodying Ruinart’s signature elegance.

The Art of Chardonnay: Ruinart’s Flagship Grape

Ruinart’s legacy in Champagne production is marked by its mastery of Chardonnay. This iconic grape variety is the cornerstone of Ruinart’s exceptional Chardonnay Champagne. It is sourced mainly from the prestigious Côte des Blancs region.

Grand Cru and Premier Cru Vineyards

Ruinart’s commitment to quality is evident in its vineyard selection. The house sources grapes from esteemed Grand Cru vineyards like Sillery and Premier Cru vineyards such as Taissy. These exceptional terroirs contribute to the depth and complexity of Ruinart’s wines.

Sustainable Viticulture Practices

In 2014, Ruinart achieved High Environmental Value and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certifications. The house has embraced sustainable viticulture by reducing fertilizer use, eliminating herbicides, and introducing electric tractors. These practices protect the environment and enhance the quality of their grapes.

The Role of Terroir in Wine Expression

Ruinart’s Cellar Master, Frédéric Panaïotis, emphasizes the importance of terroir in crafting distinctive wines. Chardonnay from different vineyards brings unique characteristics to each blend. This attention to terroir expression results in Champagnes that showcase the true essence of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions.

Ruinart’s flagship Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs cuvée exemplifies this dedication to Chardonnay. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, it represents the pinnacle of Ruinart’s winemaking artistry.

Crafting Excellence: The Ruinart Winemaking Process

Ruinart, the oldest champagne house, was founded in 1729. It has evolved its winemaking process, embracing Savoir Re-Faire. This approach adapts to climate changes while upholding excellence.

The winemaking journey starts with hand-harvesting, selecting only the finest grapes. Precise pressing extracts the purest juice. Fermentation, in two stages, transforms grape juice into wine, enriching it with complex flavors and aromas.

After fermentation, the wines are blended in vats. The blend is then bottled with sugar and yeast for the second fermentation. This step creates the signature bubbles. Aging on lees, a critical phase in Champagne production, follows. It enhances flavors and textures, with aging periods varying by cuvée:

• Non-vintage: 3 years
• Vintage: 7 years
• Dom Ruinart: 10 years

The final stages include remuage and disgorgement, where sediment is removed. Dosage defines the Champagne’s style. In 2015, Ruinart introduced a green cooling liquid for disgorgement, reducing energy consumption by 20%.

Ruinart’s Cellar Master, Frédéric Panaïotis, and his team have discovered new aromatic profiles linked to climate change. This adaptation ensures Ruinart continues to craft exceptional champagnes while addressing environmental challenges.

Artistic Heritage and Innovation

Ruinart’s artistic legacy spans nearly three centuries, blending tradition with innovation. The champagne house has a rich history of champagne art collaborations, starting in 1896 with Alphons Mucha’s iconic poster design. This partnership set the stage for Ruinart’s ongoing commitment to artistic expression.

Historical Art Collaborations

Alphons Mucha’s collaboration with Ruinart marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition. His Art Nouveau poster captured the essence of Ruinart’s champagne, setting a high standard for future artistic partnerships.

Contemporary Artist Partnerships

In 2008, Ruinart launched the Carte Blanche project, continuing its artistic legacy. This initiative invites contemporary artists to create unique interpretations of the Ruinart brand. Notable collaborations include works by India Mahdavi, Maarten Baas, and Liu Bolin.

Distinctive Bottle Design Heritage

Ruinart’s champagne bottle design is a testament to its historical roots. Inspired by 18th-century vessels, the distinctive shape features a shorter, squatter base and an elongated neck. This unique design, reminiscent of Jean-François de Troy’s 1735 painting “Le Déjeuner d’Huîtres,” sets Ruinart apart on shelves.

As Ruinart approaches its 300th anniversary in 2029, it continues to push boundaries in artistic expression. The recent “Retour aux sources” installation by Mouawad Laurier showcases this commitment, blending AI technology with environmental awareness in the historic chalk cellars.

Environmental Commitment and Sustainability Initiatives

Ruinart leads the way in sustainable Champagne production, embracing innovative practices. The house’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its efforts to reduce carbon footprint and protect biodiversity.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Efforts

Ruinart has transformed its packaging, introducing an eco-designed solution that is 99% paper and 1% glue. This new packaging, weighing just 40g, represents a 60% reduction in carbon impact compared to the previous 355g box.

Biodiversity Protection Programs

Ruinart’s commitment to biodiversity in vineyards is unwavering. The house collaborates with Reforest’Action, planting 25,000 trees in Taissy vineyard. This initiative not only enhances local ecosystems but also supports sustainable viticulture practices.

Ruinart’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond packaging. The house ensures responsible water use, with 91% of it clean enough to return to rivers after use. These efforts highlight Ruinart’s dedication to preserving nature while producing exceptional Champagne.

The Complete Ruinart Collection

Ruinart’s champagne collection is a testament to the house’s dedication to crafting exceptional sparkling wines. It encompasses a range of blends and innovative packaging, captivating wine enthusiasts globally.

Blanc de Blancs Excellence

The Ruinart Blanc de Blancs exemplifies the house’s expertise in Chardonnay. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, sourced from premier vineyards, this champagne ages for 3 years in Ruinart’s historic chalk cellars. The result is a champagne with delicate bubbles and a crisp, elegant profile.

Prestige Cuvée Dom Ruinart

Dom Ruinart is the epitome of Ruinart’s winemaking excellence. Available in Blanc de Blancs and Rosé versions, it is produced only in exceptional years. The Blanc de Blancs, crafted from Grand Cru Chardonnay, ages for 9+ years on lees, developing complex flavors and remarkable depth.

Second Skin Innovation

Ruinart’s commitment to sustainability is showcased in their Second Skin packaging. Introduced in 2020, this eco-friendly case is nine times lighter than its predecessor, reducing carbon footprint by 60%. Available for Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, R de Ruinart, and Ruinart Rosé, it combines luxury with environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

Maison Ruinart, a trailblazer in luxury Champagne since 1729, continues to epitomize French sparkling wine excellence. Its signature Brut “R” blend, crafted from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes, undergoes a minimum of 36 months aging. This process ensures a beautifully balanced and elegant pour.

Ruinart’s commitment to quality transcends the bottle. The house has embraced eco-friendly initiatives, introducing a new packaging that is 9 times lighter. This innovation significantly reduces carbon footprint by 60%. Such efforts underscore their dedication to sustainability, aligning with their storied history of innovation. From introducing rosé champagne in 1764 to leading the Champagne export market today, Ruinart’s legacy is marked by firsts.

For those in search of a personalized Champagne quote, Ruinart offers a variety of styles to cater to every taste and occasion. From the iconic Blanc de Blancs to the prestigious Dom Ruinart cuvée, each bottle embodies centuries of expertise and a profound respect for terroir. As Ruinart continues to merge tradition with innovation, it stands as a beacon of why French sparkling wine holds a unique position in the realm of fine beverages.