What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart?
The Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart is one of the purest and most refined expressions of the savoir-faire of Maison Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house, founded in 1729. This Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the best Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, regions renowned for their elegance and minerality.
Produced using the Champenoise method – a process involving a second fermentation in the bottle – this Champagne embodies the traditional art of a house that has been an absolute benchmark in the French and global panorama for centuries. The term Extra Brut indicates a very low sugar dosage, which enhances the freshness and purity of the fruit, delivering an authentic and precise tasting experience.
Vintage details
The 2013 vintage was characterized by a particularly cool climate, with a late harvest that allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing highly complex aromas. The climatic conditions favored a perfect balance between acidity and fruit ripeness, offering an elegant profile and a remarkable capacity for evolution over time.
Winemaking and aging
The Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013 is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel, to preserve the aromatic purity of the Chardonnay. After malolactic fermentation – a process that softens the wine's natural acidity – the wine is bottled for the second fermentation. This is followed by at least 9 years of aging on lees, which impart depth and finesse to the aromatic bouquet. Riddling and disgorgement are carried out manually, attesting to the artisanal care that accompanies every stage of production. The "Extra Brut" dosage, with very little added sugar, highlights the transparency and personality of the terroir.
Tasting notes
Color
Visually, it presents a luminous golden yellow with vibrant greenish reflections. The very fine and persistent bubbles form an elegant perlage that anticipates the refinement of the sip.
Nose
On the nose, it expresses a complex and refined bouquet: notes of ripe citrus and white flowers blend with hints of almond, brioche, and mineral accents reminiscent of the chalkiness typical of Champagne soils. As it evolves in the glass, aromas of dried fruit and subtle nuances of sweet spices emerge.
Palate
On the palate, it is broad, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The natural freshness of Chardonnay supports a vibrant and harmonious body. The persistence is long and savory, with a finish that recalls the mineral notes and the distinctive finesse of Maison Ruinart.
What dishes to pair with Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart
This elegant and complex Champagne is perfectly suited to accompany special moments or a refined dinner. Ideal pairings enhance its purity and minerality:
- Shellfish and seafood, such as oysters, langoustines, or tuna tartare.
- Delicate dishes based on white fish or high-quality sushi.
- Fresh and goat cheeses, which enhance its freshness.
- As an excellent aperitif, on its own, to fully appreciate its balance and finesse.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart
To best preserve the characteristics of Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart, it is important to follow some fundamental rules:
- Temperature: keep the bottle between 10 and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: store it in a dark environment, as light can alter the quality of the wine.
- Position: keep the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures an airtight seal.
If stored correctly, this Champagne can evolve in the bottle for over ten years, offering increasingly complex aromas and extraordinary depth over time.
Ruinart
The history of Ruinart winery Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house in the world, a true milestone in the wine sector. This winery, which has over three centuries of history, stands out for its ability to combine tradition and innovation. Its legacy is a celebration of craftsmans...
How to best open and serve Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening, position the bottle of Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows any sediment, naturally present in vintage wines, to settle at the bottom and prevents cloudiness in the glass. Keep the bottle away from heat sources and direct light, preferably in a cool, dry place.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal serving temperature is between 8°C and 10°C. Colder temperatures could dull the aromas, while higher temperatures might emphasize the alcohol and diminish the finesse of the bubbles. You can chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 30 minutes before opening.
3. Opening the bottle
To properly open Champagne, follow these steps:
- Gently remove the protective foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb pressed on the cork to prevent sudden release.
- Hold the bottle with one hand on the body and the other on the cork, tilting it slightly to 45°.
- Slowly twist the bottle (not the cork) while maintaining a firm grip, until you hear a slight sigh of air: this indicates a correct and quiet opening.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the color and the fineness of the perlage. Pour a small amount of wine into the glass for a first taste, ensuring the aromatic profile is clean, fresh, and without excessive oxidized notes. In a vintage wine like Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Dom Ruinart chalk wrap' 2013 – Ruinart, aromas of dried fruit, ripe citrus, and mineral accents are expected.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although rare for Champagnes, in this case, decanting may be recommended to best express the complexity of the 2013 vintage. Pour slowly into a wide-based, ample decanter:
- Wait 15–20 minutes before serving, to allow the wine to oxygenate and develop deeper aromas.
- During decanting, keep the bottle in an ice bucket to maintain the ideal temperature.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne in white wine glasses with a good opening, not flutes, to enhance the complex aromatic bouquet and the creamy texture typical of Blanc de Blancs. Pour slowly, avoiding agitation of the liquid, to preserve the fine and persistent perlage.
7. Storage after opening
If you don't finish the bottle, re-seal it with a specific Champagne stopper to maintain internal pressure. Store it in the refrigerator: it can keep well for up to 24 hours, beyond which it will lose some of its effervescence and aromatic brilliance. For optimal experiences, it is always recommended to consume within a few hours of opening.