Champagne R.H. Coutier

A CREAM IMPORT SELECTION
Country of Origin: France
Location: Montagne de Reims, Champagne
People: Coutier Family, Owners | Antoine Coutier, Winemaker
Viticulture: Certified Organic

Items

Champagne R.H. Coutier NV 'Cuvee Henri III' Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login In Stock
Champagne R.H. Coutier NV 'Cuvee Rose' Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login WS 91 In Stock
Champagne R.H. Coutier NV 'Cuvee Tradition' Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login WS 89 WA 91 On Order
Champagne R.H. Coutier NV 'Grands Vintages' Extra Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login In Stock
Champagne R.H. Coutier 2015 'La Pierre aux Larrons' Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login AG 92 AG 94 In Stock
Champagne R.H. Coutier 2012 'Millesime' Extra Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login AG 94 In Stock
Champagne R.H. Coutier (1.5 L) NV 'Cuvee Tradition' Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login In Stock
Champagne R.H. Coutier NV Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC Login On Order

The grand cru village of Ambonnay produces some of the greatest Champagnes in the heart of the region’s prestigious Montagne de Reims. The Coutier family has been in the village of Ambonnay since 1619, with fifth generation vigneron Antoine Coutier at the helm.

While Ambonnay is known for growing Pinot Noir, Coutier’s 9 hectares are made up of 1/3 Chardonnay. In 1948, Antoine Coutier’s grandfather was the first vigneron in Ambonnay to plant Chardonnay, a daring step at the time. Chardonnay is now as highly regarded as the Pinot Noir from this grand cru village. Chardonnay has come to define the Coutier family’s house style—a style that marries the traditional richness of Ambonnay’s Pinot Noir with the pure, racy crispness of its Chardonnay.

The vineyards consist of 40 different plots located exclusively in Ambonnay, with an average vine age of 38 years. The vineyards shift exposure, facing south and southeast, which produces a warmer microclimate for the grapes than other Champagne areas. A higher ratio of clay to the chalky limestone in the soil lends richness to the finished wines. The family farms sustainably (certified by Socofret) and in 2019 began organic conversion.

Grapes at R.H. Coutier are harvested by hand. The clusters are pressed with their stems to act as a natural filter, facilitate drainage, and to best obtain clear juice from the Pinot Noir. About two-thirds of the Coutier wines go through malolactic fermentation, as Antoine feels this balances opulence with tension in the finished wines. Barrel fermentation and/or aging are only used for the Cuvée Henri III and the single vineyard cuvée La Pierre Aux Larrons. A second single vineyard wine Le Bout Du Clos sees aging in ceramic vessels. All bottles are riddled by hand. Low dosages allow the natural character of the fruit and terroir to come through.

R. H. Coutier is one of the best domaines in Ambonnay and is a wonderful introduction to the magic of grand cru Champagne. While the family previously sold a portion of their annual harvest to negociant houses, today all fruit is estate bottled. We are thrilled to represent this historic Champagne family in Illinois.

Social Media
Instagram: @rhcoutier
Facebook: @RHCOUTIER

Reviews

  • R.H. Coutier NV 'Cuvee Tradition' Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 89 (11/30/2020)

    Round and creamy, offering a ripe mix of crème de cassis, star anise, salted almond and spun honey, enlivened by zesty acidity. Disgorged September 2019. 200 cases imported.
  • R.H. Coutier NV 'Cuvee Rose' Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 91 (12/15/2020)

    A pure note of macerated cherry is backed by a firm acidity in this lively rosé Champagne, while a subtle, smoky underpinning and hints of pink grapefruit peel and grated ginger ride the creamy bead. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. 150 cases imported.
  • R.H. Coutier NV 'Cuvee Tradition' Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 91 (1/31/2022)

    Disgorged in October 2020 with six grams per liter dosage, the latest rendition of Coutier's NV Brut Grand Cru Tradition is based on the 2013 vintage, complemented by fully 40% reserve wines. Exhibiting notions of waxy orchard fruit, honeycomb, mint, tangerine oil and fresh pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and pillowy, with tangy acids and a fleshy core of fruit. Full of flavor and character, this is a fine effort.
  • R.H. Coutier 2015 'La Pierre aux Larrons' Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Grand Cru AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (11/15/2021)

    A new wine in this range, the 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Pierre Aux Larrons Grand Cru emerges from the Coutier family's oldest Chardonnay vines in Ambonnay, planted in 1948. The 2015 sizzles with tension and energy, opening to reveal notable depth with a bit of time in the glass. This is a fine showing, especially within the context of what has turned out to be a very tricky vintage.
  • R.H. Coutier 2015 'La Pierre aux Larrons' Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Grand Cru AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 94 (11/15/2020)

    The Brut Nature emphasizes the power of Chardonnay. I imagine a touch of dosage might have softened the wine a bit, but no matter, the 2015 is simply stunning. There is a feeling of translucent energy and starkness that I find especially compelling. Chalk, white flowers, mint, white pepper and lemon peel linger. What a wine!
  • R.H. Coutier 2012 'Millesime' Extra Brut, Champagne Grand Cru AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 94 (11/15/2021)

    The 2012 Extra Brut Cuvee Millesime Grand Cru is shockingly tight for a Champagne from this warm, dry year. Lemon peel, white pepper, mint and crushed rocks abound. If tasting blind, I would never have guessed this to be a Pinot-based Champagne, such is its freshness and drive.