Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs Second Skin, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the first established champagne house in the world, born from the ambition of Dom Ruinart’s true enlightened mind. His vision made him perceive before anyone else the potential of sparkling wines from the Champagne region. Each of Ruinart’s cuvées bears the distinctive signature of Chardonnay, the House’s emblematic grape variety. Elegance, refinement, purity, light and distinctive taste make Ruinart a timeless and modern icon.

A champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes (100%) from different years (25% reserve wines from 2 or 3 previous harvests). These come mainly from the Premier Crus from Montagne de Reims and the Cote des Blancs.

About Package:  SECOND SKIN
Champagne is on a mission to lower its footprint.  This package is beautiful and protective... and made from 100% recycled product.  This is 100% the same wine but upgraded with the protective skin that keeps light away, reduces heat penetration and replaces the bulky and expensive plastic sleeves many brands continue to use for marketing purposes.  We offer both - the wine in the Second Skin for gifting and long term cellarage ... or the wine without the skin for a few dollars less.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the eye: Pale, golden-yellow color with subtle green glints and wonderful luminosity, a persistent stream of fine and delicate bubbles

On the nose: A nose of fresh fruits dominated by citrus fruit and pineapple mixed with notes of white flowers and spices (ginger and cardamom

On the palate: A superb Blanc de Blancs with a clean, pure and well-defined palate. The attack is supple and full-bodied giving way to a superb, very refreshing finish of white peach and citron notes

Food Pairings
A very sociable wine, excellent for aperitifs on a sunny terrace on a summer afternoon. It is a wonderful accompaniment for langoustine or tartar of sea beam served with olive oil and lemon. Grilled sole or a white fish sashimi would also marry the wine perfectly.

93 Points - James Suckling
A very appealing and satisfying style that fully captures the elegance and poise of chardonnay. The aromas here are all based around lemons, grapefruit, honey, fresh floral notes, stone fruits and toasty autolysis – which is somewhat of a signature for this Champagne. The palate delivers a ripe, flavorsome impression of peach custard and lemon crème brûlée. The acidity is nicely placed and the the finish upbeat with vibrant fruit expression.

92 Points - Wine Spectator 
A finely knit Champagne, this is driven by smoky minerality and layered with a subtle mix of lemon curd, biscuit, Acacia blossom and white peach puree. Long and vibrant on the spiced finish.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast 
Ruinart is a Chardonnay house, so this wine can be considered one of its signature cuvées. With some bottle age, it is crisp while also toasty with secondary flavors that are balancing the apple and citrus fruits. The wine is well balanced, the soft aftertaste still in keeping with its crisper, textured flavors.

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This is a fabulous version of Ruinart’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs. The wine seems fresher, more vibrant and less obviously sweet than in the past, all of which makes this a far more interesting wine. The trademark profile of lemon, jasmine and green apples is very much in the forefront while the wine’s textural finesse and length are both first-class. This release of the NV Brut makes a great introduction to the wines of Ruinart, Champagne’s oldest house.

Product size: 750ml