Introduction to the art of tasting
Champagne tasting is an art, but you need the right instruments to master it… Maison Ruinart, a virtuoso composer of exceptional champagnes since 1729, has designed this box to reveal the harmony of aromas and the symphony of notes in its « R » cuvée. A box containing a bottle and two champagne glasses, to offer everyone the privilege of orchestrating end-of-year tastings as an enlightened connoisseur. Cup or flute, a legendary score
While each has its proponents, it’s hard to say exactly which came first, the coupe or the flute. One thing is certain: since the advent of champagne on royal tables under the reign of Louis XV, this elite wine is not drunk like any other – it’s savored. In a coupe or flute, it joined the still wines on the sideboards of courtly feasts as early as 1720, then on the tables of the haute bourgeoisie in the 19th century, without ever being served in the same glasses as the latter. While the coupe is preferred by some for its practicality when serving and its natural predisposition to spectacular pyramids, the flute is favored by others for its slender elegance and its ability to sublimate champagne’s effervescence. The former is said to have anthropomorphic origins, as legend has it that the first specimen was molded on the left breast of the Marquise de Pompadour or Marie-Antoinette. As for the flute, it is said to be the result of a reinterpretation of wine glasses, whose slender, streamlined lines were inspired by the verticality of bubbles. Today, the coupe is hardly ever used, mainly because of its inability to sublimate the organoleptic qualities of champagne. The flute, despite its tendency to concentrate the nose’s perception too much, seems to have won the day. Even if the irony is that when it is suggested, it is often the coupe that is cited… From the flute to the glass, for a tailor-made tasting experience.
The glass may not make the wine, but it certainly helps to sublimate all its attributes. It’s easy to understand why each type of wine has its own glass, designed to express its unique characteristics. For champagne, the glass needs to be sufficiently slender to admire the verticality of its effervescence. This quality is found in the flute, but not in the glass. But bubbles, however fine and light they may be, are not the only distinctive qualities of champagne. The color, bouquet and aromatic notes appreciated by the eye, nose and mouth are just as revealing of a good champagne. Designing the ideal champagne glass is the art of an outstanding taster. Philippe Jamesse, Master Sommelier at Les Crayères restaurant in Reims, has perfected this glass, perfectly adapted to the tasting of Ruinart’s « R ». A perfect cross between a flute and a tasting glass, it combines, according to its creator, three elements essential to the art of champagne tasting: space, time and respect. Space for the wine to move freely, time for it to express itself fully, and respect for the expertise of the Chef de Caves. Its slender lines are a showcase for the effervescence and color of the cuvée. Its rounder, flared base, carefully studied curvature and wider opening than that of the flute allow the wine to be better aerated, offering the nose and palate all its finesse and aromatic complexity. There’s no doubt that Ruinart’s « R » boxed set will reveal unsuspected tasting talents in every wine lover… Major « R » tasting
A beautiful golden yellow color, crystal-clear brilliance and fine, lively bubbles that form a light, persistent cord – these are the visual assets of Ruinart’s Cuvée « R », which can be admired in these glasses. The first nose is fine and racy, with notes of white-fleshed fruit and hints of dried fruit. The second nose reveals more floral notes such as acacia and rosehip, mingled with greedy aromas of cookies and cake dough. The palate is perfectly balanced, supple and smooth, delivering aromas of ripe fruit (apricot, yellow peach). Beautiful roundness and perfect harmony envelop the palate, followed by great aromatic persistence. Ruinart’s « R » is the perfect companion for aperitifs and all-Champagne meals alike. From seafood to cheese platters, from pan-fried scallops to snacked poultry breast, almost any pairing is possible with this wine… All that’s left is to find the one that’s right for you. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, so consume in moderation!