Ruinart

Ruinart holds the distinction of being the oldest established Champagne house, founded in 1729 in Reims, France, by Nicolas Ruinart. For nearly three centuries, Ruinart has been a benchmark for elegance and refinement in Champagne, earning a reputation for its luminous Chardonnay-driven style and its commitment to artisanal winemaking.

The house’s origins are closely tied to the visionary foresight of Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk and uncle of founder Nicolas Ruinart. Dom Thierry had travelled to Paris and observed the growing popularity of “wine with bubbles” among the French aristocracy. Upon returning to Champagne, he encouraged his family to seize the opportunity, and in 1729, following a royal decree that permitted the legal transport of wine in bottles, Nicolas officially founded Maison Ruinart.

From its earliest days, Ruinart has favoured Chardonnay as the defining grape of its style. This choice lends the wines their hallmark freshness, precision, and aromatic brightness. Grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, where chalk-rich soils contribute to purity, minerality, and long ageing potential.

Ruinart’s winemaking process blends tradition and modernity. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve delicate aromatics, and the wines undergo extended lees ageing in the house’s famous “crayères”, ancient chalk cellars that date back to the Roman era. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed cellars, 38 metres underground, provide perfect humidity and temperature for the slow maturation of Champagne.

Flavour-wise, Ruinart is celebrated for its refined, luminous profile. Expect aromas of ripe citrus, orchard fruit, and floral notes, layered with almond, brioche, and subtle chalk minerality. On the palate, the wines are fresh yet generous, with a long, precise finish that speaks to their Chardonnay dominance.

Ruinart’s bottles are instantly recognisable, inspired by the shapes used in the 18th century, and presented in sustainable “second skin” packaging, a modern, eco-conscious alternative to gift boxes that reduces waste while preserving luxury appeal.

As a house, Ruinart embodies both heritage and innovation. Its history as Champagne’s oldest maison is matched by its forward-thinking approach to sustainability, vineyard management, and artistic collaborations, often commissioning contemporary artists to reinterpret its story.

Our Ruinart selection showcases the house’s signature Blanc de Blancs alongside its refined Brut, expressive Rosé, and prestigious Dom Ruinart vintages. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif, paired with delicate seafood, or reserved for a special celebration, Ruinart offers a taste of Champagne’s purest elegance, a tradition perfected over nearly 300 years.