Ruinart supports the moderate consumption of wine and spirits through Moët Hennessy, a member of Wine in Moderation.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
In Champagne, Chardonnay (white wine grapes), Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (red wine grapes) are the region's three main grape varieties. They belong to the seven grape varieties authorized by the "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Champagne". Chardonnay now accounts for 30% of Champagne vineyards.
In 1947, under Bertrand Mure's leadership, the Maison made a bold move to craft a champagne that embodied freshness and elegance, marking the beginning of chardonnay's prominence as a signature grape. Known for its exquisite qualities, this grape variety has since become an essential component in all of Ruinart's cuvées. Since 1959, it has been showcased in the Dom Ruinart vintages, where the Maison exclusively selects Grand Cru chardonnays from the finest harvests.
Chardonnay reveals great minerality, counterbalanced by a certain roundness. Fragile, it requires special care and plenty of sunshine. Too low or too high a temperature during budburst or flowering can have disastrous consequences on the harvest, making it a demanding grape variety. Chardonnay's elegance and lightness really come into their own on chalk soils, which are ideal for vine growth. For Ruinart, it is grown in Taissy and Sillery, the oldest known Grands Crus of chardonnay.
Frédéric Panaïotis, Cellar Master at Maison Ruinart.
On the occasion of his Carte Blanche for Ruinart, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz questions our relationship with reality and memory. During his artistic residency in Reims, the artist immersed himself in the world of Ruinart and discovers its vineyards and cellars alongside Frédéric Panaïotis, Cellar Master. Inspired by the links between man and nature, he created a Chardonnay leaf several meters long, composed of organic elements (twigs, vine leaves, vines) from the Sillery vineyards. A photograph of this work is on display in Reims and can be viewed as part of the tour of the cellars.