Scheduled for release in Japan in Spring 2021

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo Ltd., distributor of Champagne Maison Ruinart, announced the new sustainable packaging "Second Skin" for Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Ruinart Rosé at the VINEXPO Paris exhibition (the world's largest international wine and spirits fair) held from February 10-12, 2020. This packaging, the culmination of over two years of work, is nine times lighter than existing gift boxes and successfully reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 60%. It began a gradual rollout in Western Europe in Winter 2020, with a planned launch in Japan in Spring 2021.

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the world's oldest Champagne house, consistently demonstrating boldness and innovation since its inception. In 1764, it was the first maison to introduce rosé Champagne to the market. Furthermore, Ruinart was the first Champagne house to utilize the Crayères, ancient Gallo-Roman chalk quarries 38 meters below ground, ideal for aging its wines. In 1896, it commissioned Czech Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha for its advertising campaign, marking the first collaboration between a Champagne house and an artist. In 1769, Ruinart was also the first to use wooden cases for transporting bottles. Building on this pioneering spirit, Ruinart has now developed the environmentally conscious sustainable packaging, "Second Skin."

This "Second Skin" is a 100% recyclable package meticulously crafted from paper derived from natural wood fibers, sourced from sustainably managed European forests. Being entirely plastic-free, it is nine times lighter than the existing gift boxes and achieves a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. "Second Skin" represents a new step in the maison's comprehensive development approach, which considers the environment at every stage of meticulous Champagne creation—from the vine to the tasting—encompassing packaging, serving tools, and visibility. Maison Ruinart's commitment to environmentally conscious production plays a significant role in the Champagne industry.

Beyond its environmental benefits, "Second Skin" embodies Ruinart's distinctive dedication to design. Its chalk-like texture, reminiscent of the Crayères, Ruinart's Champagne cellars, is achieved through deep, luxurious, and delicate embossing. The precise contour-hugging fit of the bottle, realized through an integrated molding process, is the result of over two years of development, involving seven prototypes and various papermaking techniques. The absence of sharp edges is a testament to a specially developed processing technology for Ruinart, utilizing a precise high-pressure water jet to cut the bottle's outline. This not only creates a unique elegance but also allows the package to follow the bottle's iconic curves, preserving it in perfect condition until it's time to enjoy the Ruinart.

"Second Skin" will gradually replace the current gift boxes, with a rollout beginning in Western Europe in Winter 2020. We anticipate its launch in Japan in Spring 2021, so please look forward to it.

About "Second Skin"
Specifications
100% sustainable design
Made from paper sourced from 100% sustainably managed European forests
100% recyclable
Zero plastic
Following the bottle's iconic curves, achieved through a specially developed processing technology for Ruinart
Packaging
Opens and closes with snap buttons integrated directly into the case

Features
Two years of research and development
Completed after seven prototypes
Nine times lighter than the previous generation of boxes
60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions for packaging
Based on the methodology of the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) and the Energy Efficiency Bureau
(BEE, environmental assessment of packaging)

Comment from Frédéric Dufour, President of Maison Ruinart
"This Second Skin case underscores Maison Ruinart's role as a pioneer in Champagne and its strong commitment to fulfilling its social and environmental responsibilities. This groundbreaking project embodies the maison's firm dedication to developing more sustainable packaging at every stage of product development and marketing, from tending the vines to the consumer experience."

About Ruinart
Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the world's oldest Champagne house, celebrated as the "jewel of Champagne." It has established its reputation as a "Chardonnay House" through its expertise in crafting Champagne that pursues "purity, delicacy, and elegance" by masterfully selecting the finest grapes harvested from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Its wines are characterized by a delicate, fresh, and rich roundness. Aging takes place in the Crayères, ancient Gallo-Roman chalk quarries designated as a French historical monument in 1931. In this environment, which maintains the constant temperature and appropriate humidity ideal for aging, Ruinart perfects its delicate, pure, and elegant "art of Chardonnay" style. With its 300th anniversary a decade away, various events have been planned worldwide as part of the Ruinart countdown, starting last year.