Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV

Winery Background and History:

Ruinart, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart, is the oldest Champagne house. Acquired by LVMH, it has dedicated itself to Chardonnay since its inception. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV represents the house’s emblematic expression of pure Chardonnay, celebrating elegance, freshness, and floral-mineral purity stemming from its historic chalk cellars.  .

Producer and Wine Maker:

Cellar Master Frédéric Panaïotis oversees blending of around 25–30 Chardonnay crus predominantly from Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Sézannais, and Vesle Valley. Approximately 20–30% reserve wines enhance complexity. The blend is carefully fermented in stainless steel, followed by extended lees aging.  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Grapes are sourced exclusively from Chardonnay vineyards, focusing on Premier Cru sites across Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, with supportive terroirs from Sézannais and Vesle valley. The terroirs’ chalky clay soils and temperate climate impart refined minerality and balance.  .

Vinification & Aging Methods:

After hand-harvest, grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless vats. The wine is aged 2–3 years on lees, with full malolactic fermentation, and dosage set at 7g/L. Bottling is sealed with cork.  .

Tasting Notes:

Brilliant pale yellow with greenish hues. The nose offers citrus blossom, fresh lemon, pear, white flowers, ginger, and pink peppercorn. The palate is textured with apple and stone fruit, creamy brioche, roasted almond, honeyed nuance and striking saline minerality leading to an elegant finish.  .

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with oysters, scallop carpaccio, sea bass carpaccio, seafood, fish, shellfish, sushi, mild poultry dishes, light vegetable cuisine, and soft cheeses like Brie and Comté, complementing creamy and delicate flavors. ().

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve chilled at 8–10 °C in tulip or large white wine glasses to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. Avoid decanting; allow a few minutes resting post-opening for optimal expression.  .

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellar at 10–12 °C with 70–85 % humidity and darkness. This NV Blanc de Blancs can gracefully age 5–10 years, evolving into honeyed, nutty, and mineral tertiary notes while maintaining chalky freshness.  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Chardonnay 100 %.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

12.5 %

Scores:

Wine Enthusiast: 94

Wine Spectator: 93

James Suckling: 93

Robert Parker: 91