Margaret Rand recently explored the redesigned Ruinart facility at 4 Rue des Crayères in Reims, highlighting its exclusive offerings and artistic ambiance. The establishment is now home to the new Sou Fujimoto-designed Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, where visitors can find a unique range of recently disgorged wines.
Upon arrival, the contrast between the chalky exterior and the white-painted concrete entrance creates a curious impression. While the area is rich in chalk, the pavilion itself showcases a modern design featuring stone and glass, intended to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Inside, the space is adorned with sculptures ranging from tree-like forms to light installations, all inspired by wine culture.
One notable feature of the pavilion is its display of Ruinart’s Dégorgement Tardif wines, including vintages from 2004 to 2007, all disgorged in February 2024. The 2006 vintage was available for tasting, marking a significant shift from the past, when unsold bottles were used at events instead of being preserved for future releases. The late release concept began with the 1998 vintage, when Ruinart also started to evaluate the aging process of its wines corked vs. crowned.
Frédéric Panaïotis, Ruinart’s chef de cave, revealed that new data led to a preference for cork, which allows for a nuanced aging process compared to crown caps. Unlike caps that permit a controlled ingress of oxygen, corks play a crucial role in maintaining the youthfulness of Champagne wines by interacting with phenolic compounds, contributing to a balanced aging process.
The pavilion offers an engaging exploration of the connection between art and wine, celebrating the intricate process of Champagne production while showcasing the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in wine crafting.
For more information on Ruinart and its offerings, visit: