Ruinart Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut

Ruinart, established in 1729 as the first Champagne house, has built its reputation on Chardonnay, and this Blanc de Blancs is made entirely from that grape. Produced by the traditional method, it takes a second fermentation in bottle and extended ageing on the lees, which lends the wine its bready, almond-touched complexity. Chardonnay grown on Champagne's chalk gives a saline, mineral thread that runs alongside the fruit, and the low Brut dosage keeps the emphasis on freshness and precision. This half-bottle format suits solo enjoyment or a smaller occasion.

The wine is a pale gold with a bright green tint and a fine, steady bead. The nose is delicate, showing lemon, green apple and white peach over white flowers. The palate is fresh and finely textured, the mousse soft, with a chalky, biscuity depth and a saline edge into a long, clean finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass to let the Chardonnay show. It works as an aperitif and alongside shellfish, white fish and fresh goat's cheese.