Drink of the Day: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
A deep dive into the history and character of the world's first established champagne house
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Drink of the Day: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs stands as a hallmark of elegance within the world of sparkling wine. Produced by the oldest established champagne house, this cuvée is celebrated for its purity, freshness, and distinct aromatic profile. It serves as a primary expression of the house style, offering a refined experience for those who appreciate the nuances of high-quality Chardonnay.
Company History
The history of Maison Ruinart began on September 1, 1729, when Nicolas Ruinart started his first ledger dedicated to wine with bubbles. This act effectively established the first champagne house in history. Over the centuries, the company has maintained its reputation for excellence through a commitment to traditional winemaking and the preservation of its historic chalk mines. These underground cellars, which were first exploited during the Gallo-Roman period, were classified as a historical monument in 1931 and remain a central part of the house identity.
Product History
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is crafted exclusively from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes, primarily sourced from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims terroirs. The wine is a non-vintage blend, incorporating reserve wines from previous harvests to ensure consistent quality and style. Upon pouring, the champagne displays a pale yellow hue with subtle hints of green, while the palate is characterized by notes of citrus, white peach, and floral honey. The production process emphasizes aromatic richness and a precise, clean finish that defines the signature Ruinart taste.
Review
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs consistently receives high praise from industry professionals for its balance and refinement. Based on ratings from Tasting Panel (97 points), Wine Enthusiast (94 points), and Wine Spectator (93 points), the champagne holds an impressive average score of 94.6 out of 100. These critics frequently highlight the wine's persistent effervescence and its ability to pair elegantly with a variety of sophisticated dishes.
Serving Guide
Glassware: Tulip-shaped glass | Serving temperature: 8 to 10 degrees Celsius | ABV: 12.5 percent
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to allow the aromatic complexity to fully develop.
- Pair with delicate seafood dishes such as sea scallop carpaccio, langoustine, or sea bream tartare.
- Accompany with grilled sole or white fish sashimi to complement the wine's natural acidity and fruit notes.
- Store bottles in a dark environment with a temperature between 7 and 15 degrees Celsius and humidity above 70 percent.
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Drink of the Day feature with 3-source review by the PENN Food & Spirits Desk.
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PENN's lifestyle and culinary department, covering global cuisine — the origins, traditions, and recipes behind the world's dishes, with deep histories and cultural context that go beyond the plate. and PENN's beverage-focused culinary team, dedicated to spirits and drinks — covering distilleries, breweries, and producers worldwide, with histories, tasting notes, professional reviews, and cocktail traditions.
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