Ruinart is indeed the oldest Champagne house still in operation today. Its history dates back to 1729, making it over 290 years old. This alone is a remarkable feat, considering the many challenges and changes the Champagne region has faced over the centuries.
To put it into perspective, when Ruinart was founded, the concept of sparkling wine was still relatively new. Champagne as we know it today was just starting to gain popularity and recognition. The techniques for producing sparkling wine were still being refined, and the region was still figuring out its unique style and character.
Ruinart was founded by Nicolas Ruinart, who came from a family of cloth merchants in the town of Reims, in the Champagne region of France. Nicolas had a vision to create a new style of wine that would capture the effervescence and elegance that Champagne is known for. He saw the potential in the chalky soils and cool climate of the region, and set out to make his mark on the wine world.
Over the years, Ruinart has remained true to its heritage and commitment to quality. The house has been passed down through generations of the Ruinart family, each one building upon the legacy of the previous. This familial dedication has allowed Ruinart to maintain its unique style and consistently produce exceptional Champagne.
One of the things that sets Ruinart apart is its focus on Chardonnay. While many Champagne houses blend different grape varieties to achieve their desired flavor profile, Ruinart has always placed a special emphasis on Chardonnay. This grape variety brings a certain elegance and finesse to the wines, and is a hallmark of the Ruinart style.
I have had the pleasure of tasting several of Ruinart's Champagnes, and each one has been a testament to their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Blanc de Blancs, made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, is a personal favorite of mine. It showcases the purity and freshness that Chardonnay can bring to a sparkling wine, with delicate floral notes, crisp acidity, and a long, lingering finish.
In addition to their commitment to quality, Ruinart has also been at the forefront of innovation in the Champagne industry. They were one of the first houses to use clear glass bottles, allowing consumers to see the beautiful golden color of the wine. They were also early adopters of riddling racks, a technique used to remove the sediment from the bottles during the production process.
Ruinart's long and storied history, combined with their unwavering dedication to quality and innovation, make them a true icon of the Champagne world. Their Champagnes continue to delight and impress, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so for many years to come.