Ruinart, Reims, Champagne

Many Champagne houses would like to lay claim to the accolade of being the longest established house, but only one may do so in truth. And that house is Ruinart, a business established in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart. In reality there can be no older house; the Royal decree which permitted the transport of bottled wines (casks are of little use for the transport of sparkling wines) was only passed in 1728. The Ruinarts were not without connections when helpful advice with their new venture was needed; Nicolas' uncle was Dom Thierry Ruinart, close friend to Dom Pérignon himself.

Today Ruinart is led by chairman Roland de Calonne, with chef de caves Jean François Barot working running the cellar. The house style is fresh, with a dominance of Chardonnay over the two Pinots. Even in the non-vintage cuvées, Chardonnay will typically account for 40% of the blend, sometimes 50%. Vintage cuvées will generally include over 50%.

Wine to Watch: Rosé NV £43.75 per bottle