Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house . It is based in Reims and is part of the LVMH group. During the reign of Louis XIV, Dom Thierry Ruinart (1657-1709), a Benedictine monk originally from Champagne, lived in the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where he heard from the high life of a sparkling wine much appreciated by young aristocrats. It was he who encouraged his brother and nephew, who remained in Champagne, to embark on the champagne adventure. Twenty years after his death (in 1729), his nephew, Nicolas Ruinart, founded the eponymous house, the first champagne house in history.
Ruinart owns extraordinary chalk crayères , used as cellars, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remained a family-run house for nearly two centuries before becoming part of the LVMH group. However, it has managed to preserve its independence and style, a style maintained by cellar master Frédéric Panaïotis.
Characterized by a high percentage of Chardonnay, the "soul of the house," its champagnes all display a finely mineral character, often with chalky notes combined with a fruity and floral aromatic palette. This personality, without any heaviness, makes the wines particularly suitable as an aperitif. Furthermore, the house has judiciously rejuvenated the character of its prestige cuvées : Dom Ruinart Blanc and Rosé.
The maison's vineyard extends mainly in the Montagne de Reims area, supplemented by contributions from very selectively chosen suppliers.