Ruinart, one of the oldest Champagne houses, indeed has two main classifications for their wines – Ruinart and Dom Ruinart. These classifications represent different levels of quality and prestige within the Ruinart portfolio.
Let's begin with Ruinart. This classification encompasses their non-vintage standard wines, which are produced consistently year after year. The aim of these wines is to showcase the house style and maintain a high level of quality across different vintages. Ruinart non-vintage Champagne is crafted by blending wines from multiple years, allowing the winemaker to create a consistent flavor profile that represents the essence of Ruinart.
Ruinart non-vintage Champagnes are known for their elegance, finesse, and delicate bubbles. They typically exhibit a beautiful balance of fruitiness, freshness, and the characteristic toasty notes that are derived from the aging process. These wines are crafted using predominantly Chardonnay grapes, which impart a crisp and vibrant character to the final blend. The non-vintage range from Ruinart is a great introduction to the house style and offers a reliable choice for Champagne enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Dom Ruinart represents the pinnacle of Ruinart's winemaking expertise. Dom Ruinart is the house's prestige cuvée, reserved for their vintage wines. These Champagnes are only produced in exceptional years when the grapes reach the highest levels of quality. Dom Ruinart is a true expression of the terroir and the unique characteristics of a specific vintage.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Dom Ruinart showcases the utmost refinement and complexity. The cuvée is primarily composed of Chardonnay grapes, sourced from the best Grand Cru vineyards in the Champagne region. The use of Chardonnay allows for a more delicate and precise expression of the vintage, highlighting the nuances of the growing season.
Dom Ruinart Champagnes undergo a longer aging process than their non-vintage counterparts, allowing the flavors to develop and evolve over time. The result is a Champagne that displays remarkable depth, richness, and a captivating array of aromas. Dom Ruinart represents the ultimate expression of Ruinart's winemaking artistry and is often sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Ruinart and Dom Ruinart represent two different tiers within the Ruinart Champagne range. Ruinart encompasses their non-vintage standard wines, which offer consistent quality and showcase the house style. Dom Ruinart, on the other hand, is their prestige cuvée, reserved for vintage wines that exemplify the highest level of excellence and craftsmanship. Both classifications present unique and exceptional Champagnes, each with its own distinct characteristics and appeal.