Established in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart, Maison Ruinart holds the distinction of being the first established Champagne house in history. The maison’s foundations were laid following the visionary intuition of Nicolas’s uncle, Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk who recognized the burgeoning potential of “wine with bubbles” while living in Paris. Over nearly three centuries, the house has become synonymous with the “Art of Living,” blending heritage with a commitment to the Chardonnay grape, which serves as the golden thread through its various cuvées.

The R de Ruinart Brut is the primary expression of the House’s signature style. It is a balanced blend typically composed of 40% Chardonnay, 40 to 45% Pinot Noir, and 10 to 15% Meunier. The production process utilizes a significant proportion of reserve wines (up to 25 to 30%) to ensure consistency across years. The house ages this cuvée in their historic Crayères—ancient chalk pits that provide the perfect humidity and a constant temperature for the secondary fermentation.

Regarding the growing seasons for the base vintages often found in current releases, the region has trended toward earlier harvests. Ideal conditions involve a cold, dry winter followed by a sunny spring to ensure healthy flowering. The House monitors the specific maturation of the Pinot Noir and Meunier to maintain the structural integrity of the ‘R’ blend, ensuring that even in warmer years, the hallmark freshness and aromatic roundness of the fruit remain intact.