René Rutat Champagne — Organic Blanc de Blancs, Vertus Premier Cru
In the heart of the Côte des Blancs, in the Vertus Premier Cru appellation, René Rutat champagnes epitomise the excellence of artisanal Blanc de Blancs. Across 7 hectares of chalky soil, Flavien and Baptiste Rutat — the fifth generation of a winemaking family founded in 1960 — cultivate 95 per cent Chardonnay in accordance with the principles oforganic farming, certified since 2019. This transition, which began in 2016, stems from a deep-seated conviction: to respect the limestone soil so that the terroir can express itself without chemical interference. Members of the Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne and award-winners in the Guide Hachette (2 stars in 2016, 2023 and 2024), Flavien and Baptiste nevertheless remain relatively unknown in distribution channels — it is precisely this profile of a discreet artisan that Pépites en Champagne selects.
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René Rutat’s wines — Chardonnay, organic and Premier Cru
The range centres on the Vertus Chardonnay. The Brut Blanc de Blancs (with floral and white fruit notes, aged for at least 24 months) is the perfect accompaniment to oysters and scallops. The Brut Grande Réserve (from the Les Pas de Cheval and La Bouverie plots, aged on lees for 48 months, dosage 6 g/L) pairs well with lobster, sweetbreads or poultry in a creamy sauce. The 2010 Vintage (citrus, roasted dried fruit, toast) calls for mature cheeses and semi-cooked foie gras. The Brut Rosé (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, candy-pink colour) complements fine charcuterie, strawberries and lightly sweetened desserts. The 35G Demi-Sec rounds off a meal with a fruit tart or lemon financier. The Vertus Rouge, a still wine made from 100% Pinot Noir, is a little-known gem worth exploring.
Serve these champagnes at between 8 and 10 °C in a long-stemmed tulip glass — this preserves the Chardonnay’s aromas better than a narrow flute. The Brut Blanc de Blancs is best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years; the Grande Réserve and the 2010 Vintage, thanks to their long ageing on lees, will benefit from being left to mature for 6 to 10 years in a cool (12 °C) and dark cellar.
Discover the full René Rutat range at Pépites en Champagne — an expert artisan wine merchant offering careful delivery throughout France and Europe.
René Rutat — Artisans of the limestone terroir of Vertus
Founded in 1960 by René Rutat, the estate has been built up plot by plot on the limestone hillsides of Vertus. Today, Flavien and Baptiste Rutat, representing the fifth generation, cultivate 7 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards — predominantly Chardonnay, complemented by a touch of Pinot Noir. In 2016, they began the transition toorganic farming — achieving AB certification in 2019 — to preserve the microbial life and mineral structure of their limestone soils, which are key to the distinctive character of Vertus Chardonnay.
In the cellar, the approach is just as rigorous as in the vineyard: barrel fermentation since 2017, indigenous yeasts, and the production of cuvées with no added sulphur. The Brut Grande Réserve is left to rest on its lees for 48 months before disgorgement — a long and patient ageing process that reflects the ambition and identity of this discreet house.
Your questions about René Rutat champagnes
How much do René Rutat champagnes cost?
The René Rutat range is priced from around €29 to €75, depending on the cuvée. The entry-level brut champagnes (Blanc de Blancs, Brut Rosé) are priced between €29 and €42, the Grande Réserve at around €40 to €55, whilst the 2010 vintage and rare cuvées can reach €60 to €75. These prices are in line with the quality of an artisanal organic Premier Cru produced using barrel fermentation.
What food and wine pairings go well with René Rutat champagne?
The Brut Blanc de Blancs is at its best with oysters, sea bass tartare or pan-fried scallops. The Grande Réserve pairs well with lobster, sweetbreads and poultry in a creamy sauce. The 2010 Vintage pairs beautifully with mature cheeses and semi-cured foie gras. The Brut Rosé complements fine charcuterie, strawberries and light desserts. The 35G Demi-Sec rounds off a meal with a fruit tart or lemon financier.
How should René Rutat champagne be served and stored?
Serve at between 8 and 10 °C in a long-stemmed tulip glass — a narrow flute restricts the Chardonnay’s aromas. The Brut Blanc de Blancs is best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years. The Grande Réserve and the 2010 Vintage, thanks to their long ageing on the lees, can be kept for 6 to 10 years in a cool cellar (12 °C), stored horizontally, away from light and vibrations.
Where can I buy René Rutat champagne online?
Discover the full René Rutat range at Pépites en Champagne — an artisanal selection, expert advice and express delivery throughout France and Europe.
Why did Flavien and Baptiste Rutat convert their vineyard to organic farming?
In 2016, Flavien and Baptiste Rutat began converting their 7 hectares in Vertus to organic farming — achieving AB certification in 2019. This approach stems from a firm belief: to preserve the limestone soils of the Côte des Blancs, their microbiome and their mineral structure, so that the Chardonnay can fully express the Premier Cru terroir. Fermentation using indigenous yeasts and cuvées with no added sulphur extend this philosophy into the cellar.
Which René Rutat vintage should you choose as a gift or for a special occasion?
As a gift, the Brut Grande Réserve (48 months on lees, 2-star rating in the Guide Hachette) is the safe bet in the range. To mark a memorable occasion, the 2010 Vintage stands out for its complexity and length on the palate. Those who prefer a crisp style will opt for the Brut Blanc de Blancs, whilst those who appreciate a rounder profile will choose the Brut Rosé. In any case, this is a bottle from an artisan organic Premier Cru producer, unavailable in supermarkets.
About
Champagne René Rutat — the essentials
- Founded in
- 1960
- Founder
- René Rutat
- House / owner
- Rutat
- Location
- Vertus, Côte des Blancs
- Vineyard
- 7 ha
- Grape varieties
- Chardonnay (95%), Pinot Noir (5%)
- Distinctions
- AB (Agriculture Biologique), Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne, Certification bio obtenue en 2019 (conversion 2016)
- Cuvées
- Brut Grande Réserve, Brut Blanc de Blancs, 35G Demi-Sec, Brut Millésime 2010, Brut Rosé, Vertus Rouge
