Ruinart Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010
The oldest continuously operated champagne maison known especially for its iconic Blanc de Blancs
Grape Makeup:
100% Chardonnay
Sweetness Level:
Extra Brut
Ageing on Lees:
9+ years
Price:
$$$
Cellar:
10 years
Category:
Collectible
Photos
What
The oldest continuously operated champagne maison, founded in 1729. It is known for Blanc de Blancs made in a clean, fragrant style.
Where
Reims; 20 hectares of estate vineyards; only grand cru vineyards are used for Dom Ruinart, in 2010 there was an unusually high percentage from the Côte des Blancs (90%: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Chouilly, Avize) with the balance from the Montagne de Reims (Sillery, on the northern slopes).
Why
Dom Ruinart always shows off the complete spectrum of what can be achieved with chardonnay; if the Côte des Blancs provides the soprano notes, the Montagne de Reims adds a capacious, resonant alto beneath. The mixed 2010 vintage, which was challenging for pinot noir and meunier thanks to hot, humid summer conditions, turned out some magnificent chardonnay with high ripeness but also brilliant acidity. After 9 years on lees under a cork closure, the wine is fully integrated and expressive.
What Else
Ruinart has dedicated 40ha of vineyard in Taissy to a “vitiforestry” pilot project in partnership with Reforest’action; the vineyard is being planted with hedges, trees and shrubs – principally local wood species – to rekindle the area’s biodiversity.
Tasting Notes
Overtly toasty and rich, this has a sour-sweet lemon lime base, with a brackish, brown spiciness and a pungent iodine hit. The fruit is quite a bit riper on the palate than expected, with grapefruit and elderberry tones, both lightly medicinal and strikingly bitter, particularly as the finish approaches. The texture is markedly chalky, really tactile and firm, while acidity returns with a bang on the finish, cleaning up any residual heaviness.
Try It With
Crispy roast poultry with savoury sauces.
When To Drink
Main course.
Perfect For
The friend whose luggage is Moynat.
Tatler Tip
If your go-to champagne is Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, you may find this too rich; this is better suited for people who love aged Dom Pérignon or Salon.
TL/DR
Toasty, rich and brackish.
Supplier
MHD
