Ruinart : R de Ruinart 2016

An emblematic vintage champagne uniting aromatic purity and finesse

The estate

Founded in 1729, Ruinart was the first Champagne House, and is an essential name. The historic Ruinart Champagne House was established by the monk Dom Thierry Ruinary, a visionary pioneer. Located in the heart of Reims, the Ruinart House oversees a treasure trove. Unique and monuments to history and architectural prowess, the Ruinart chalk pits have been classified as a historic site since 1931 and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2015. Nearly 40 metres underground, in the darkness and cool of the cathedral-like cellars, the precious bottles wait to be brought into the light. Elegance, style and timelessness define the DNA of the Ruinart Champagne House, which is one of the most appreciated brands in France, embodying the excellence of the French art of living in the four corners of the world.

The wine

Produced exclusively from prestigious Champagne terroirs, namely the Grand and Premier Crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, this Ruinart "R" cuvée is a true illustration of the Ruinart "taste".

The vintage

2016 was a challenging year, marked by a frosty spring in some areas, as well as significant rainfall, which led to strong mildew pressure. The summer was particularly dry, which reduced the weight of the bunches and accelerated the ripening of the grapes. Despite these extreme conditions, this vintage reveals the aromatic richness, the tension and the saline minerality of the great Champagne terroirs.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvested by hand, the grapes were given alcoholic fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, then malolactic fermentation. The ageing period on laths was for 5 years. The dosage in this cuvée is 5g/l.

Blend

Chardonnay (48%)
Pinot noir (32%)
Pinot meunier (20%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for R de Ruinart 2016

Tasting

Colour
The colour unveils a beautiful golden hue, adorned with subtle yellow-orange highlights.

Nose
The nose opens on fruity (exotic fruit, passionfruit, fleshy yellow fruit) scents. During aeration the bouquet becomes more complex, through gourmet notes of biscuits, cereals and dried fruit, as well as a smooth saline mineral hints.

Palate
Precise and enveloping, the palate delights with its roundness and freshness. The aromatic richness of the palate draws out harmoniously to a deliciously zesty finish.

Food and wine pairing

Guinea fowl suprême, a blanquette of monkfish cheeks or a Provençal pie with summer vegetables and parmesan are elegant pairings for this great vintage champagne.

Storage

This vintage champagne can be enjoyed now, and can be laid down for many years to perfect its ageing.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 10 and 15°C.