R de Ruinart Brut NV (75cl, 12%)

A non-vintage Champagne from Maison Ruinart, blended from about 40-45% Pinot Noir, 10-15% Meunier and 40% Chardonnay. It uses grapes from around 40 to 50 crus of the Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, with reserve wines at about 20-30%. Hand-harvested grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel with malolactic fermentation, then aged in cellar for 2 to 3 years, with a dosage of about 7 g/L and 12% alcohol. The house describes a chestnut-gold colour, with reinette apple, apricot, fresh almond and hazelnut on the nose, followed by elderflower, coriander seed, buttered bread and biscuit. The palate brings golden fruit, plum tart and ripe stone fruit, rounded and persistent, with a fresh Chardonnay finish. Serve at about 8 C.