Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

Producer Background & History:

Champagne Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in Reims, France. From its early roots as a visionary wine merchant to becoming a benchmark of elegance in Champagne, Ruinart has long been associated with refined Chardonnay-driven styles and deep chalk crayères (cellars) that shape its wines’ maturity and texture. The house pioneered the production of Blanc de Blancs Champagnes — wines made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes — reflecting purity and finesse in sparkling wine. 

Producer & Winemaker:

Blending and cellar management are overseen by Ruinart’s dedicated Chef de Caves and cellar team, whose focus is on crafting a consistent house style each year. They select fruit from a wide array of Chardonnay crus to balance freshness, complexity, and aromatic depth. 

Vineyard:

This Blanc de Blancs is produced from 100% Chardonnay sourced from 25-30 different crus predominately in the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Sézannais, and La Vallée de la Vesle regions of Champagne. These chalk-rich terroirs are ideal for producing bright, mineral wines with vivid acidity and expressive aromatics. 

The Wine:

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut is a non-vintage Champagne that expresses the house’s quintessential Chardonnay style — elegant, fresh, and vibrant, with refined mousse and a mineral complexity. Blending in reserve wines (typically ~20–30%) ensures consistency and depth across vintages. 

Vintage:

Non-Vintage (NV) — a blend of base wines from multiple years plus reserve stocks, crafted for balance and continuity. 

ABV %:

12.5% alcohol by volume. 

Vinification and Aging Method:

After hand harvesting, the grapes undergo alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. A full malolactic fermentation often takes place, followed by 2–3+ years aging on the lees in Ruinart’s chalk cellars. A light dosage (~7 g/L) balances tension and fruit. 

Grape Varietals:

• Chardonnay 100% — classic Blanc de Blancs, emphasizing precision, minerality, and floral character. 

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Brilliant pale yellow with subtle green and almond highlights, with a fine, persistent mousse. 

• Nose: Intense aromas of ripe lemon, pear, white peach, and floral notes of jasmine and acacia. Secondary hints include spice accents (ginger, pink peppercorn) and delicate brioche. 

• Palate: Lively and precise, with vibrant citrus, orchard fruit, and stone fruit complemented by minerality, subtle creaminess, and saline freshness. 

• Finish: Elegant and lingering, defined by bright acidity and refined mineral character. 

Food and Wine Pairing:

• Aperitif: Perfect to begin a meal or celebration. 

• Seafood & Shellfish: Oysters, scallops, sashimi, sea bass carpaccio. 

• Light Fish & Salads: White fish sashimi, citrus salads, ceviche. 

• Soft Cheeses: Fresh chèvre, burrata with herbs and lemon. 

Service Methods:

Serve well chilled at 8–10 °C (46–50 °F) in a tulip or white wine glass to capture its aromatic range while preserving effervescence. Avoid over-chilling, which can mute delicate aromatics. 

Storage and Aging Potential:

Store horizontally in a cool, dark environment (~10–12 °C) with humidity to protect the cork. While NV Blanc de Blancs is designed for early enjoyment, it can develop nuance over 5–8+ years with careful cellar conditions. 

Scores:

• James Suckling: ~93 points — praised for its elegant expression and satisfying profile. 

• Wine Spectator: ~93 points — noted for finesse and mineral detail.