Ruinart

The House of Ruinart was the first established House of Champagne in the world.

The winery was established inspired by the intuition of Dom Thierry Ruinart, a modest and hardworking monk. Dom Ruinart are made entirely of Grand Cru grapes.

Dom Thierry Ruinart was a brilliant theologian and historian. At the age of 23, he left his home in Champagne to go to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the most influential abbeys near Paris. While there, he was exposed to the city and gained an awareness of a more worldly life. Specifically, he learned of sparkling wine, not yet known as champagne. However, it was already popular among aristocrats.

Dom Ruinart passed his sparkling wine related knowledge and inspiration on to his nephew, Nicolas Ruinart. In 1729, in Reims, at the heart of the Champagne region, Nicolas Ruinart established the world’s first champagne-producing company. That is how the story of Ruinart started and has now continued for almost 300 years. The house was established immediately after the edict of Louis XV which authorised the transport of wine in bottles. Prior to this edict, wine could only be transported in oak barrels.

The first delivery of Ruinart sparkling wine went out in 1730, ordered by Dom Ruinart’s brother, a cloth merchant, as business gifts for his clients.

In the 18th century, Ruinart acquired its chalk caves which are ideal for ageing wine. These caves are classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The caves are as big as 38 metres deep and 8 kilometres long and have a constant temperature thanks to the chalk walls. All Ruinart champagnes age in these old chalk caves. Vintage wines age there for at least nine years, non-vintage wines at least three years.

The first vintage Ruinart was released in 1959. Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs was developed as an ode to the great Chardonnays. Supposedly, Ruinart made the first rosé in the 18th century, but the first bottles were not released until 1962.

Among the seven grape varieties authorised under the rules protecting champagne production, the Chardonnay grape stands out for its sheer complexity. Its elegance and aromatic freshness make it the emblematic grape variety of Ruinart. Grapes are harvested when they have reached their full aromatic potential and first begin to reveal the essential character of the Ruinart Taste. Ruinart has released only 23 vintage champagnes since 1959.

The Cellar Master, Frédéric Panaïotis, and his team are guided by their expertise in recreating the Ruinart Taste. The estate has been in the possession of the same family for nearly three centuries. Each generation has brought with them their skills and experience, fully respecting the legacy of their ancestors. Although today the brand belongs to LVMH, the family still plays a big role in its operation.

WHY RUINART?

Sustainable
Eco-responsibility is at the heart of everything Ruinart does, they are committed to preserving the nature and biodiversity. Ruinart also practises sustainable viticulture.

Just as it used to be
Ruinart’s round bottle pays tribute to the iconic 18th century champagne bottles – the time when champagne first took off.

Patron of the arts
Ruinart has a special relationship with art. Even today, the brand plays an active role in international art fairs.

Grand Cru Chardonnay
Chardonnay’s aromatic freshness makes it the golden thread that runs through the Ruinart Taste. Freshness is the essence of every Ruinart.