Ruinart champagne holds a unique place in the world of great sparkling wines. Founded in 1729 in Reims, the Ruinart house is considered the first champagne house in history. For nearly three centuries, it has embodied the elegance, know-how and prestige of the Champagne vineyards. With a style dominated by Chardonnay and iconic cuvées such as Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, the house has become an essential reference for champagne lovers and collectors.
Today, bottles of Ruinart are found in the cellars of enthusiasts around the world and regularly appear in specialist sales of prestigious wines. Between historic heritage, exceptional terroir and mastery of blending, Ruinart continues to represent the excellence of French champagne.
The history of the Ruinart house
The story of Ruinart champagne begins in 18th century Reims. Inspired by the visionary ideas of his uncle, the monk Dom Thierry Ruinart, Nicolas Ruinart officially founded the house in 1729. At the time, the champagne trade was starting to develop, notably after a royal decree authorising the shipment of wine in bottles.
The Ruinart house quickly specialised in producing and selling champagne. Thanks to the quality of its cuvées and its trade network, the brand rapidly gained a reputation throughout Europe.
One of the house's most iconic features is its use of the crayères, former chalk quarries beneath the city of Reims. These historic cellars, some nearly forty metres underground, offer ideal conditions for ageing champagne. The constant temperature and humidity let the bottles develop slowly and acquire great aromatic finesse.
Over the centuries, Ruinart has become a house synonymous with prestige and excellence in the champagne world.
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The Ruinart style: the importance of Chardonnay
The style of Ruinart champagne rests mainly on Chardonnay. This emblematic white grape of Champagne brings freshness, elegance and finesse to the house's cuvées.
Chardonnay is especially present in the great terroirs of the Côte des Blancs, known for producing grapes of great aromatic purity. These grapes give champagnes marked by notes of citrus, white fruit and flowers.
Winemaking and blending also play an essential role in Ruinart's identity. The cellar masters select different crus and vintages to create balanced cuvées that reflect the house style while remaining highly consistent.
This approach produces champagnes with delicate minerality, great freshness and a particularly elegant texture.
Ruinart's iconic cuvées
Several cuvées have built the international reputation of the Ruinart house.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is probably the house's most iconic cuvée. As its name suggests, this champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay.
It stands out for its great freshness and refined aromatic range. On tasting, you often find notes of citrus, white fruit and white flowers, with elegant minerality.
This cuvée is particularly appreciated by champagne lovers for its finesse and its ability to accompany many fine dishes.
Ruinart Rosé
Ruinart Rosé is another iconic cuvée of the house. It combines Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to create a balanced champagne with red fruit aromas and a silky texture.
Its delicate colour and expressive aromatic profile make it a highly sought-after champagne in fine restaurants and at prestigious events.
Dom Ruinart
Dom Ruinart is the pinnacle of the range. Made only in the best vintages, it embodies the excellence of the house's know-how.
This vintage champagne offers great aromatic complexity and exceptional ageing potential. Bottles of Dom Ruinart are often kept in collectors' cellars and can gain value over time.
Terroir and vineyards
The vineyards used by the Ruinart house span several great Champagne terroirs. The grapes come notably from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, two areas renowned for the quality of their crus.
These terroirs have limestone soils rich in chalk, particularly suited to growing Chardonnay. The chalk plays an essential role in regulating water and passing minerals to the grapes.
Thanks to this combination of terroir and know-how, Ruinart produces champagnes that express the full richness of the Champagne vineyards.
A champagne that symbolises luxury and prestige
Over time, Ruinart has become much more than a champagne house. The brand is now associated with luxury and the French art of living.
Its distinctive bottles, inspired by 18th century flasks, are part of the house's visual identity. This recognisable style reinforces Ruinart's elegant, timeless image.
Its cuvées regularly feature at prestigious events, in fine restaurants and in luxury hotels.
Why Ruinart champagne appeals to wine lovers
The success of Ruinart champagne rests on several key elements. First, its historic heritage makes it a unique house in the history of champagne. Being the oldest champagne house in the world gives Ruinart a particular legitimacy.
Second, the consistent quality of its cuvées builds loyalty among wine lovers. The elegant style, dominated by Chardonnay, offers champagnes that are approachable yet refined.
Finally, the brand's international reputation strengthens its appeal to collectors and fine wine enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ruinart champagne embodies the history, elegance and excellence of the Champagne vineyards. Since its founding in 1729, the house has preserved its identity while adapting to changes in the champagne market.
With iconic cuvées such as Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Ruinart Rosé and Dom Ruinart, the house continues to win over champagne lovers around the world.
Between exceptional terroir, mastery of blending and historic heritage, Ruinart remains one of the essential references for discovering the world of great champagnes.
