Ruinart sold nothing but Champagne from the day Nicolas Ruinart opened his house in 1729, the first house anywhere to exist as such, and it has aged its wine in the same Gallo-Roman chalk pits beneath Reims ever since.
Built on Chardonnay
Where most historic houses built their reputation on Pinot Noir, Ruinart set its style around Chardonnay from the start, an unusual choice for its era. The entry point, R de Ruinart, is Chardonnay-led and built for immediacy, all citrus and brioche with real cut. Blanc de Blancs, made entirely from Chardonnay, remains the house's clearest statement, and Ruinart's version is textbook: chalky, taut, built to age.
Dom Ruinart
The prestige cuvée is Dom Ruinart, a Blanc de Blancs drawn from grand cru Chardonnay grown on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs, aged a decade or more before release. A rosé version exists too, adding a small portion of still Pinot Noir from Verzenay for colour and grip. Both are made only in years the house considers exceptional.
FAQ
Is Ruinart really the oldest Champagne house?
Yes. Nicolas Ruinart founded the house in 1729 and it has produced only Champagne ever since, making it the oldest continuously operating house in the region.
Who owns Ruinart now?
LVMH, via its Moët Hennessy wines and spirits division. The house keeps its own winemaking team, vineyards and those eight kilometres of UNESCO-listed chalk cellars.
What should I try first?
R de Ruinart for an everyday introduction to the house's Chardonnay style, or a vintage Dom Ruinart to see what that style becomes after a decade of ageing.