Ruinart Champagne

Ruinart Champagne: history, dominance and present

The creation of Ruinart champagne

Ruinart Champagne , the oldest champagne house in the world, was founded in 1729 in Reims in the heart of the Champagne region. The house was founded by Nicolas Ruinart, the nephew of Dom Thierry Ruinart, a learned Benedictine monk who had a visionary eye for the emerging Champagne market. Dom Ruinart, born in 1657, came from a bourgeois family of cloth merchants in the Champagne. During his many trading trips across Europe, he recognised the immense potential that champagne could offer for the future.

Dom Ruinart noticed the growing enthusiasm for champagne at the aristocratic courts of Europe. He realised that this sparkling wine, which originally started out as a still wine, could represent a cultural and economic revolution. He shared his knowledge and vision with his brother Nicolas Ruinart, who founded the Champagne house was founded. However, this vision had to wait until the royal decree of 25 May 1728 allowed wine to be transported in bottles. Before this decree, wine could only be transported in barrels, which was unsuitable for champagne.

The first steps and the rise of Ruinart

The first bottles of champagne from Ruinart were sent as gifts to cloth merchants, which today could be seen as an early form of marketing. The Ruinarts quickly realised that the champagne business was far more lucrative than the cloth trade. By 1735, the company had specialised completely in the production and sale of champagne. In European harbours, baskets full of champagne bottles soon replaced bales of cloth and rolls of cloth. Success was not long in coming and Ruinart became synonymous with luxury champagne.

The expansion and legacy of Ruinart

Ruinart Champagne has always been known for its outstanding cuvées. The most prestigious champagne of the house is the Dom Ruinartnamed in honour of the visionary monk. This exquisite cuvée, which was first created in 1959, consists mainly of Chardonnay and is known for its elegance, finesse and longevity. Dom Ruinart is only produced in the best vintages and matures for at least ten years in the house's chalk cellars, the famous "Crayères".

Another highlight is the Ruinart Blanc de Blancsa pure Chardonnay champagne that impresses with its freshness and aromatic complexity. The Ruinart Roséwhich impresses with its fine colour and intense aroma of red fruit, is one of the house's top products.

Modern times and current information

Today, Ruinart Champagne is part of the renowned LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), which unites a large number of luxury brands under its umbrella. This merger has enabled Ruinart to expand its presence worldwide and constantly improve its quality.

The company is still based in Reims, where it has impressive chalk cellars. These cellars, known as "Crayères", extend for several kilometres beneath the city and provide perfect conditions for storing and ageing the champagne. The Crayères are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of Ruinart's heritage.

In terms of vineyards, Ruinart Champagne sources its grapes from some of the best sites in Champagne, in particular from the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. These regions are known for their chalky soils, which give the grapes a special minerality and freshness.

Sustainability and innovation

In recent years, Ruinart has increasingly focussed on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. The company has launched numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, including switching to organic and biodynamic farming methods and reducing packaging materials. One example of Ruinart's commitment is the introduction of a new, environmentally friendly packaging design that is fully recyclable and minimises the use of plastic.

Ruinart Champagne Influence on champagne culture

Ruinart has made an impact on the champagne world not only through its outstanding products, but also through its cultural contributions. The house is known for its support of contemporary art and has sponsored numerous artists and exhibitions. This combination of art and champagne reflects Ruinart's philosophy of putting aesthetics and pleasure at the centre.

The long history and continuous pursuit of perfection have made Ruinart one of the most respected champagne houses in the world. With a rich tradition spanning almost three centuries and an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Ruinart remains a beacon in the world of champagne.

Conclusion

Ruinart Champagne is a champagne house that proudly looks back on its history and traditions while keeping a firm eye on the future. From the visionary beginnings of Dom Ruinart, through its expansion and international success, to its modern sustainability initiatives, Ruinart Champagne remains a symbol of excellence and elegance. The wines of the house, above all Dom Ruinart, epitomise quality, refinement and timeless beauty. With its strong connection to art and its dedication to the environment, Ruinart sets new standards and remains a role model in the world of champagne.