N.V. Ruinart Brut Rose Champagne, France (375ml)   

About the Icons
Ruinart is the oldest house in Champagne, exclusively producing Champagne since 1729. As they proclaim, "Chardonnay is the very soul of Ruinart" and their beautiful Blanc de Blancs is their most coveted wine. However, they also make a lovely rose which just happens to be 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir (including 19% still red Pinot) from their vineyards in Montagne de Reims and Vallee de la Marne.

As Ruinart proudly exclaims, "The colour is a delicate pomegranate pink with very slightly orange reflections. The sparkling, light effervescence has a persistent foam. The nose is subtle and fresh, first offering an original palette of tropical fruits (guava and lychee) and small berries (raspberries, cherries and wild strawberries) in the first instance. These are followed by rose and pomegranate notes which complete the complex, intense aromatic profile, dominated by somewhat undeveloped primary aromas. On the palate the attack is distinct and full, cradled by a gentle effervescence. The aromas of freshly picked berries are fully expressed. The balance brings together a delightful freshness and voluptuous body, expressed by an elegant bracing touch of mint and pink grapefruit." Champagne Ruinart was founded by Nicolas Ruinart and named after his uncle, Dom Thierry Ruinart, who was a Benedictine monk with an interest in enology, the year after the 1728 Edict of Louis XV which authorized the transport of wine in bottles. Prior to that, wine could only be transported in barrels which obviously made it impossible for Champagne to be enjoyed outside of Champagne. The first bottles of Ruinart Champagne were offered as gifts to clients of the family’s cloth business but six years later the Ruinarts sold that business because sales of their Champagne were so successful.