The House of Ruinart Champagne

France’s Oldest Champagne Maison
Ruinart holds the distinction of being the first established Champagne house, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart. With almost three centuries of history, Ruinart has become synonymous with elegance, refinement, and a pioneering spirit in the craft of sparkling wine production. Rooted in a tradition that began when Dom Thierry Ruinart—a Benedictine monk with connections to Dom Pérignon—recognised the potential of Champagne’s fizz, the House has maintained its status as a timeless beacon of quality.

A Historic Legacy

Ruinart’s inception signalled the world’s first commercial enterprise dedicated solely to sparkling Champagne. This allowed the brand to develop a distinctive style early on. Today, Ruinart continues to embrace the vision of its founder, championing a philosophy of finesse and harmony that seeks to capture the most expressive qualities of Chardonnay—a grape it treats as the backbone of its signature style.

Notable Cuvées

• R de Ruinart Brut
  A flagship non-vintage blend that highlights the House’s preference for Chardonnay, supported by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in smaller proportions. Expect fresh aromas of pear, white flowers, and subtle brioche, complemented by a rounded, lively palate.
• Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
  Composed solely of Chardonnay grapes, often sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Renowned for its luminous golden colour, delicate mousse, and zesty citrus and floral notes, finishing with a refined mineral edge.
• Ruinart Rosé
  A vibrant rosé, typically blending Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering a balance between red berry fruitiness and the floral elegance associated with the House. Its salmon-hued appearance and lingering freshness make it a favourite for pairing with lighter fare.
• Dom Ruinart
  Named in honour of Dom Thierry Ruinart, this prestige cuvée is produced only in exceptional vintage years. Predominantly Chardonnay, Dom Ruinart exemplifies the House’s commitment to showcasing the grape’s aging potential through extended lees contact. The result is a Champagne that evolves from subtle fruit and floral notes into richer expressions of toasted brioche, hazelnuts, and honey over time.

Underground Cellars: The Crayères

One of Ruinart’s defining features is its historic crayères—chalk cellars in Reims, carved from ancient Gallo-Roman quarries. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these cellars stretch some 38 metres below ground, offering consistently cool, humid conditions ideal for the slow maturation of the House’s wines. The chalk walls not only provide perfect insulation but also lend a touch of mystique to the aging process.

A Marriage of Tradition and Artistry

Beyond winemaking, Ruinart has a longstanding connection with the arts, frequently collaborating with contemporary artists to reimagine the House’s aesthetic. Through these partnerships, Ruinart links centuries of Champagne heritage with a modern, visionary edge—mirroring the blend of history and innovation that shapes its cuvées.

From its trailblazing beginnings in the 18th century to its lasting influence on Champagne culture today, Ruinart epitomises the marriage of Chardonnay-driven elegance and visionary craftsmanship. Whether savoured as a crisp Blanc de Blancs or a layered prestige cuvée, each bottle invites Champagne enthusiasts to experience the timeless allure of France’s oldest Champagne house.