10 of the oldest Champagne houses that still exist

Maison Ruinart, the pioneers

Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house in the world, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart. The Ruinart family had been involved in the textile industry for generations, but Nicolas saw an opportunity in the growing popularity of Champagne. He decided to dedicate his life to creating a new kind of wine, one that was effervescent and light, yet complex and refined.

Ruinart quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality Champagne, and the house was soon supplying its wines to the royal court. Today. Surprisingly the Ruinart family still run the house.

Read also: The history of the oldest Champagne house: Maison Ruinart

Maison Taittinger, the elegant innovators

Taittinger is a relatively young Champagne house, founded in 1734, but it has a rich history. The Taittinger family began making Champagne in the early 20th century, when Pierre Taittinger bought the house with his brother-in-law.

Taittinger is known for its elegant and delicate wines, which are often described as having a feminine touch. The house produces a wide range of Champagnes, from vintage to non-vintage, and has a reputation for excellence.

Read also: History of Maison Taittinger, one of Champagne’s oldest and most innovative houses

Moët et Chandon, the global icon

Moët et Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, who had a vision of bringing Champagne to the world. He recognized the potential of Champagne as a luxury product and began exporting it to the courts of Europe. In 1794, the house became the official Champagne supplier to Napoleon Bonaparte.

Moët et Chandon is known for its opulent style, and its wines are often associated with grand celebrations and parties. The house produces some of the most recognizable Champagne labels in the world, including Dom Pérignon and Moët Impérial.

Read also: The History of Moët & Chandon

Veuve Clicquot, the widow’s legacy

Veuve Clicquot, also known as the “Widow Clicquot,” was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot. When Philippe died in 1805, his wife Barbe-Nicole took over the business and became one of the most successful Champagne makers of her time.

Barbe-Nicole is credited with inventing the riddling process, which is still used today to remove sediment from Champagne bottles. Veuve Clicquot is known for its bold and powerful wines, and its signature label, Yellow Label, is one of the most recognizable in the world.

Read also: The Story of Veuve Clicquot: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence in Champagne

Piper-Heidsieck, the robust powerhouse

Piper-Heidsieck was founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck. He was soon joined by his nephew Christian Heidsieck, and together they began producing Champagne that was beloved by French royalty.

In 1838, Christian’s widow married Henri-Guillaume Piper, and the house became known as Piper-Heidsieck. Today, the house is known for its bold and powerful style, and its wines are often described as having a robust character.

Read also: From Tradition to Innovation: The Story of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

Laurent-Perrier, floral finesse

Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 by André Michel Pierlot, who had a passion for making Champagne. He purchased a small vineyard in Tours-sur-Marne and began producing his own wines.

Today, Laurent-Perrier is known for its fresh and elegant Champagnes, which are often described as having a floral and fruity character. The house is particularly famous for its rosé Champagne, which is made using the saignée method.

Read also: From Tradition to Innovation: The Story of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

G.H. Mumm, the bold tradition

G.H. Mumm was founded in 1827 by Georges Hermann Mumm and his partner Friedrich Giesler. The house quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality Champagne, and in 1876, it created the iconic Cordon Rouge label.

G.H. Mumm is known for its bold and powerful style, and its wines are often described as having a rich character. The house is particularly famous for its vintage Champagne, which is only produced in exceptional years.

Bollinger, the aged majesty

Bollinger was founded in 1829 by Jacques Bollinger and his partner Paul Renaudin. The house quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality Champagne, and in 1884, it became the official supplier to the British royal family.

Bollinger is known for its rich and complex style, and its wines are often aged for longer periods than other Champagne houses. The house is particularly famous for its vintage Champagne, which is only produced in exceptional years.

Krug, the artisanal perfection

Krug was founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug, who had a vision of creating a Champagne that was rich and full-bodied. He believed that Champagne should be able to stand up to even the most robust of foods, and he dedicated his life to creating the perfect blend.

Krug is known for its small production, with each bottle being meticulously crafted to ensure the highest quality. The house is particularly famous for its Grande Cuvée, which is a blend of over 120 different wines from up to 10 different vintages.

Pol Roger, the refined classic

Pol Roger was founded in 1849 by Pol Roger, who was just 18 years old at the time. He began producing Champagne in Épernay, and his wines quickly gained a reputation for their quality and finesse.

Pol Roger is known for its refined and elegant style, and its wines are often described as having a creamy texture. The house is particularly famous for its vintage Champagne, which is aged for longer periods than other Champagne houses.