1926 - 2026 A century of Champagne

1926 - 2026
A century of champagne


In 2023, 18 bottles of Ruinart Millésime 1926, discovered in the cellars of Chef Paul Bocuse’s restaurant, were added to the House’s collections and are now the oldest bottles in Ruinart’s possession.

THE DISCOVERY OF A HISTORIC VINTAGE


In 2023, the sommelier at Chef Paul Bocuse’s restaurant discovered 18 bottles of Ruinart 1926 Vintage in the restaurant’s cellars. Recognizing the heritage value of these bottles, he offered to return them to the House.


These precious bottles were then added to Ruinart’s wine library and became the oldest wines currently held by the House. Nearly a century after their production, their remarkable state of preservation still reveals aromas of ripe fruit, apricot, and candied citrus, testifying to the ability of Ruinart wines to stand the test of time.

Archives Ruinart Millésime 1926


« I am delighted to be able to reveal this 1926 vintage a century later. An experience that illustrates our heritage and our ability to create wines of elegant simplicity. » 


Caroline Fiot, Cellar Master of Maison Ruinart

Caroline Fiot X Ruinart Millésime 1926

A TESTAMENT TO RUINART'S EXPERTISE AND TRADITION


Born amid the reconstruction of the Champagne vineyards following World War I, the 1926 vintage coincided with Maurice Hazart’s formal appointment as cellar master at Maison Ruinart, a position he had held since 1911.


Despite vines weakened by disease and late ripening, the sunshine and dry weather of October yielded a fine harvest, resulting in wines renowned for their elegance. A few decades later, some bottles were given to Paul Bocuse, a wine enthusiast and collector of the finest 1926 vintages, and were then stored in his restaurant’s cellar until 2023, before joining the Ruinart wine library via Frédéric Panaïotis.


« It is a source of immense satisfaction to continue shaping Ruinart’s style following in the footsteps of Frédéric Panaïotis.I am delighted to unveil this 1926 vintage a century later through an exclusive experience that illustrates our heritage and our ability to create wines of elegant simplicity. »


Caroline Fiot, Cellar Master of Maison Ruinart

A REFLECTION OF A CENTURY OF HISTORY


A rare testament to an era and to the bond that united a three-Michelin-starred chef, an iconic restaurant, and a great wine, the 1926 vintage embodies a legacy of tradition for Maison Ruinart.


Today, this rare vintage embodies the winemaking heritage of the oldest champagne house. From Maurice Hazart to Frédéric Panaïotis, and now Caroline Fiot, it bears witness to nearly a century of expertise and tradition, at the heart of the style and history of Maison Ruinart.

Ruinart Millésime 1926