Earlier this year, the illustrious Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships returned to the UK for its 11th edition, consolidating its position as a premier global platform for sparkling wine enthusiasts. Traditionally heralded as the most challenging sparkling wine competition on a worldwide scale, it draws a diverse panel of wine experts, sommeliers, and enthusiasts for an extensive examination of hundreds of sparkling wines through blind tastings. Such rigorous assessments create a buzz each year, with participants keenly awaiting the revelation of the most remarkable sparkling wines in the industry.
In a remarkable feat this year, the ultimate accolade was awarded to a magnum of Dom Ruinart 2007 Blanc de Blancs, a creation from one of Champagne’s most historic houses. This prestigious Champagne house, steeped in 295 years of heritage in Reims, France, presents a largely Chardonnay-focused offering that showcases the finesse and craftsmanship of its winemakers. Beyond just being a titleholder, this Champagne illustrates the artistry involved in sparkling wine production.
Tasting the Dom Ruinart 2007 Blanc de Blancs is akin to an intricate culinary experience. It opens to a bouquet of fresh grapefruit, marzipan, and an elusive hint of jasmine tea, captivating the senses with distinct aromas that promise more complexity upon the first sip. The palate reveals layers of flavor, with toasted brioche and a rich mocha presence intertwining seamlessly. This is concluded with a refreshing menthol finish that evokes a sense of elegance. Expert sommelier Amy Racine notes that this vintage achieves “remarkable purity and intensity” while boasting an invigorating acidity and a mineral backbone that provides a long and memorable finish.
The composition of this wine showcases the typical style of the Ruinart house, particularly its emphasis on Chardonnay. The Blanc de Blancs in particular is crafted using a selection from 25 to 30 crus hailing from the Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. However, for this vintage, Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis has notably prioritized the grapes from the first cru, indicating a focused commitment to character and quality in this exceptional release.
Interestingly enough, the magnum size plays a crucial role in shaping the wine’s profile. Amy Racine emphasizes that larger formats, like magnums, tend to undergo a slower oxidation process, allowing for a more nuanced flavor evolution. This size also helps to retain the delicate, persistent bubbles that charmed consumers for centuries. Another key aspect of Dom Ruinart’s offerings is the extended aging period, with the 2007 Blanc de Blancs maturing for a minimum of nine years on the lees before disgorgement—a substantial commitment beyond the standard three years mandated by the AOC. This patience in maturation lends the wine an incredible depth and complexity that simply cannot be rushed.
Retailing for around $600 for the 1.5-liter magnum, this exquisite wine is definitely a splurge but could be deemed worthwhile, particularly during festive occasions. The title of “supreme world champion” often creates a surge in demand, meaning buyers should act swiftly if they wish to add this luxurious bubbly to their New Year’s celebratory lineup.
Even if the 2007 Blanc de Blancs slips through one’s grasp, Racine advocates for the other offerings from Maison Ruinart, noting its status as the oldest Champagne house established in 1729. The resilience of Ruinart is illustrated through its survival of World Wars and challenges that have shaped the wine industry over centuries. The iconic chalk cellars in Reims not only contribute to the storied history of the estate but also provide the ideal aging conditions essential for producing high-caliber Champagne.
As 360 million glasses of sparkling wine are anticipated to be consumed leading up to New Year’s Eve in the U.S. alone, Ruinart’s rich legacy and exceptional offerings remain imperative to any wine lover’s collection. Dom Ruinart 2007 Blanc de Blancs serves not merely as a drink, but as a remarkable testament to the confluence of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence in the world of sparkling wines.