Champagne Yves Ruffin

Champagne house in Avenay-Val-d'Or, Vallée de la Marne.

Village: Avenay-Val-d'Or (Premier Cru)
Region: Vallée de la Marne
Type of house: RM · Récoltant Manipulant
Founded: 1971
Cuvées in the guide: 4

Champagne Yves Ruffin is an independent wine house in Avenay-Val-d'Or (Premier Cru), founded in 1971 by Yves and Odette Ruffin. The house is known as a pioneer of organic winegrowing in Champagne, with a certificate going back to its foundation.

History and Family

Foundation (1971): Yves and Odette Ruffin start the estate, with Yves immediately opting for organic farming (no pesticides) long before it became a standard.
Cave (1980s): The underground cellar is dug through the chalk layer under the house by hand.
Thierry Ruffin (1995): Takes over the business and improves the vinification techniques.
Sylvie Ruffin (2007): Takes over the business after the death of Thierry and leads it until 2021.
Antonin Ruffin (2021): The third generation takes the helm with his partner Cécile, further deepening the traditional values.

Vineyards and Terroir

Location: The estate lies at the junction of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne.
Area: Approximately 2.8 to 3 hectares of vineyards in the communes of Avenay-Val-d'Or and Tauxières-Mutry.
Grape varieties: Pinot Noir (50-60%) and Chardonnay (40-50%) are cultivated.
Harvest: The harvest is exclusively by hand, with an average vine age of approximately 40 years.

Working Methods and Vinification

Organic: 100% of production has been certified organic (AB/Eurofeuille) since 1971.
Acorns in wood: The champagnes are raised exclusively in oak barrels and foudres (large wooden casks), sometimes of acacia, which contributes to complexity and roundness.
Dosage: Low dosage (0-6 g/l) is often used, with "Brut Nature" (0 g/l) occurring.
Tradition: The bottles are packed by hand, and some exclusive ones use traditional hemp string and wax seals.

Champagnes (Selection)

L'Aspirant: Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, raised in wood.
La Nuit de Juillet: Millésime (e.g. 2021), mainly Chardonnay, often Brut Nature.
Jardin: Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay), raised in acacia foudres, known for its finesse.
Racines: A non-vintage blend with many reserve wines, raised in a solera-style system.
Cuvée Précieuse: A very limited run (166 bottles) from a top year (e.g. 2012), packed in wood.

Cuvées by Yves Ruffin

Yves Ruffin Jardin

Blanc de Blancs · Extra Brut · 2015 · 100% Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay from Avenay-Val-d'Or, 2015.

Yves Ruffin L'Aspirant

Blend · Extra Brut · 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir from Avenay-Val-d'Or and Tauxières, 2022 base.

Yves Ruffin La Nuit de Juillet

Blend · Brut Nature · 2021 · 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir

70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from Avenay-Val-d'Or, 2021, no dosage.

Yves Ruffin Racines

Blend · Extra Brut · 75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir

75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, blend of 2012 to 2017 from Avenay-Val-d'Or and Tauxières.

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