R de Ruinart Brut, Champagne

Unique as the only one of Ruinart's cuvées to be led by pinot noir, and it shows in a vinous personality of intense red fruits, contrasting refreshingly with the linear minerality of chardonnay. There are apple, pear, hazelnut and fresh bread notes, indicative of the youth of this blend, but it is the chardonnay signature of the house that has the final say in lingering lemon zest and a finely structured backbone of minerality.

93 points tysonstelzer.com

A glaze of caramel is stretched over a wide array of candied fruit aromas, the balance of ripeness and mineral freshness spot on, the finish long and moderately structured. Drink now.

92 points jamessucklng.com

R de Ruinart Brut is the signature non-vintage cuvée of one of Champagne’s oldest and most elegant houses. Founded in 1729, Ruinart was the first established Champagne maison, and its wines have long been admired for their finesse and luminous Chardonnay character. R de Ruinart takes its name from Nicolas Ruinart, who transformed his uncle Dom Thierry Ruinart’s visionary ideas into a Champagne house that would shape the region’s history. This cuvée is a beautifully balanced expression of freshness, precision, and subtle complexity.

In the glass it is a brilliant pale gold with fine, delicate bubbles rising in a steady bead and a refined, creamy mousse. The nose is pure and fresh, opening with aromas of green apple, lemon zest, white peach, and pear, accented by notes of acacia blossom, brioche, roasted hazelnut, and chalky minerality. On the palate it is elegant and supple, with vibrant citrus and orchard fruits carried by crisp acidity, wrapped in a soft, creamy texture from extended lees ageing. The finish is clean, chalky, and persistent, leaving a lingering impression of finesse rather than power.

The blend is typically around 40% Chardonnay, 50–55% Pinot Noir, and a touch of Meunier, with 20–25% reserve wines bringing consistency and depth. The Chardonnay comes mainly from Premier Cru sites in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, providing brightness and lift, while the Pinot Noir adds structure and subtle red-fruited richness. Ageing on lees for about three years before disgorgement builds complexity without overshadowing the wine’s freshness.

Food pairings suit its refined, zesty character. Ideal with oysters, sashimi, scallop carpaccio, or citrus-marinated prawns, it’s also excellent alongside roasted poultry or soft cheeses like Brie de Meaux. It’s a Champagne that works as a sophisticated aperitif but has enough poise to shine through a meal. Cellar potential is 5 to 8 years, during which the wine develops more honeyed and nutty nuances.

R de Ruinart is produced in larger quantities than the house’s prestige Blanc de Blancs but remains a carefully crafted wine that reflects Ruinart’s elegant, Chardonnay-forward style. As one of the region’s oldest houses, Ruinart has always favoured finesse and delicacy over opulence, and this cuvée encapsulates that philosophy beautifully.

Culturally, Ruinart has a special place in Champagne’s history: it was the first to store its wines in the region’s famous chalk crayères, ancient Roman chalk cellars beneath Reims that provide perfect ageing conditions and are now UNESCO World Heritage–listed.

Ruinart was the first Champagne house, founded in 1729, and pioneered the use of chalk crayères for ageing—underground cellars carved by the Romans that remain among the most atmospheric in Champagne today.