Ruinart R de Ruinart Champagne

Shimmering yellow and gold colour. On the nose, Autumn and summer aromas, with subtle fruity notes of apple and apricot, as well as hazelnut and raw almond. A touch of complexity is added with hints of elderflower and coriander seeds. Soon followed by intense aromas of brioche and biscuits. In the mouth, a harmonious and persistent roundness envelops the palate. The final note reminds us of the presence of chardonnay in the blend, with its characteristic freshness.

• Winery: Ruinart - LVMH
  
• Varietal: 40% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 15% Meunier
  
• Region: Champagne, France
  
• Vintage: NV
  
• Alcohol: 12%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
• Food match: Lobster, shrimp, shellfish, smoked salmon, caviar, oysters, fried chicken, Brie-style cheeses, fruit-based desserts (tarts and crepes)
  

"R" de Ruinart Brut is the Original Expression of the Ruinart Taste. A gorgeous Brut from Champagne's oldest and one of its most special houses. Ruinart are known for expertise with the prized Chardonnay grape and even in this classic Champagne blend the Chardonnay plays a fulsome role at 40% of the blend. It is long in flavour and persistence of bead, with eminent refinement and complexity. A Champagne of the highest stylistic class.

Ruinart is a low profile, yet select, Champagne house which is steeped in history. It dates back to the 17th century, the time of the famous Dom Pérignon. It was founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in the city of Reims, the year after a Royal Decree in 1728 whereby Louis XV gave his consent for sparkling wines to be shipped in baskets containing 50 to 100 bottles. This opened the gates of Europe to champagne and thus makes Ruinart the oldest Champagne House. Nicolas' uncle was Dom Thierry Ruinart, close friend to Dom Pérignon himself and an inspiration behind the creation of this house after the Dom’s death. Its Gallo-Roman chalk cellars are now a UNESCO-classified historical monument and every two years the finest sommeliers in Europe gather there to compete for the Trophée Ruinart.

Ruinart is now owned by LVMH and sits neatly in their portfolio of impressive Champagne houses. With a production of only 1.7 million bottles per annum, relatively speaking Ruinart is a small producer and has a surprisingly low profile.

• 95/100 Points - Bob Campbell
  
• 92/100 Points - Falstaff
  
• 91/100 Points - Guia Penin
  
• 91/100 Ponits - Wine Spectator
  
• 90/100 Points - Andreas Larsson
  
• 90/100 Points - CellarTracker
  
• 17.5/20 Points - Jancis Robinson