Champagne "R" DE RUINART
Founded in Reims in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house, and its history remains intimately linked to Chardonnay, which over time has become one of the essential markers of its style. R de Ruinart represents the most direct expression of this identity, in a blend where the freshness of Chardonnay dialogues with the structure of Pinot Noir and the fruitiness of Meunier. The cuvée brings together grapes from 40 to 50 crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, two complementary terroir groups that allow the creation of a champagne that is both ample and luminous. The significant proportion of Chardonnay brings a fresh and floral line, while the Pinots give more relief and vinosity to the whole. This search for balance explains the particularly accessible character of the cuvée without reducing it to a champagne simply intended for the aperitif. R de Ruinart thus expresses a vision of champagne where aromatic elegance, roundness, and freshness must progress together.
The blend combines 40% Chardonnay, 40 to 45% Pinot Noir, and 10 to 15% Meunier, with 20 to 30% reserve wines from several harvests. The grapes are handpicked, then the wines are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats before undergoing malolactic fermentation, which helps soften the texture. This process preserves the clarity of the fruit while giving the wine a more enveloping texture. After blending and secondary fermentation, R de Ruinart rests for two to three years in the house's cellars, long enough for the bubbles to gain finesse and for the different components to find cohesion. The dosage of 7 g/l keeps the champagne in the Brut category, with a sensation of roundness that naturally accompanies the freshness of Chardonnay. The cuvée thus maintains a precise and luminous expression while possessing an aromatic depth superior to what its non-vintage status might suggest.
The yellow and gold robe is accompanied by fine and regular effervescence, while the initial nose evokes reinette apple, apricot, fresh hazelnut, and almond, with more floral nuances of elderflower. With aeration, notes of brioche and biscuit gradually appear, naturally extending the fruity range. The palate is supple and enveloping, carried by ripe yellow fruits and stone fruit notes, with a texture ample enough to give the champagne a true presence. Chardonnay gradually takes over on the finish and brings the freshness that stretches the wine and avoids any heaviness. R de Ruinart obviously works as an aperitif, but its structure also allows it to accompany more complex cuisine, notably scallops, roasted fish, delicately creamy poultry, or certain cheeses. Served around 8°C in a tulip glass or a sufficiently open white wine glass, it can evolve in the glass and gradually reveal its fruity, pastry, and lightly toasted nuances.
Grape varieties: 40% Chardonnay, 40 to 45% Pinot Noir, 10 to 15% Meunier
