Champagne Ruelle-Pertois

Martine Ruelle

This is a small, family run champagne producer located in the town of Moussy. Their various vineyard parcels total just under 15 acres, from which just over 4,000 cases of champagne are made a year.

I was first introduced to this producer at Domaine Boingnères in the Bas-Armagnac. We always begin our afternoon or evenings together with a bottle of Ruelle, and I was given the name of their friends, Michel and Martine Ruelle.

Their Côtes de Blancs vineyards (comprising 50% of their holdings) are located in Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry, all considered 100% Grand Cru for Chardonnay. The other 50% of their vineyards are located in the Cote d'Epernay villages of Moussy, Pierry and Vinay. All three champagne varietals (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay) are planted there, with the majority being Pinot Meunier.

The Ruelle-Pertois Brut is made with primarily Pinot Meunier.

The Cuvée de Reserve is made with pure Chardonnay and is made mostly with the 2000 and 2001 vintages.

The 1999 vintage comes entirely from Chouilly from vines averaging 25 years of age. Beautiful, fine bubbles emit lovely lemon custard notes wonderfully enhanced by a touch of crème brulée.

Ruelle-Pertois Chai

Michel Ruelle et Fils 2003