RH Coutier Tradition Brut Grand Cru NV
(Champagne, France) - [VM 92] [WA 91]

About the Domaine:
Champagne R. H. Coutier is located in the grand cru village of Ambonnay, one of the top wine-producing sectors of the Montagne de Reims. The Coutier family has been in the village of Ambonnay since 1619, with fifth gneration vigneron Antoine Coutier currently at the helm. 

The Coutier house style is accentuated by vinification and cellar techniques that seek to marry the traditional richness of Ambonnay fruit with the racy and pure style that the family cherishes. To that end, 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 is 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 ageing in ceramic vessels.

About this Wine:

80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
6g/L Dosage
Harvest Base: 60% 2019
40% reserve wine
Produced entirely from Grand Cru grapes from the village of Ambonnay, this stunning Brut Tradition shows rich, leesy fruit obtained through extended bottle aging prior to disgorging. Quite vinous in texture, it is full and long with crisp apple fruit notes on the finish and showing some toasty notes in the nose. Very low dosage levels allow the great Ambonnay fruit to shine.

Tasting Notes:
An excellent and racy bottle with the signature red fruit characteristics of Ambonnay. Aromatically expressive, powerful on the palate, with a bright and fresh finish.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The NV (2020) Brut Tradition is terrific. Bright and sculpted, the 2020-base Brut Tradition is a terrific entry-level offering and a fine value. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper, slate and chalk all sizzle with tension before light tropical overtones make an appearance. The 80% Pinot/20% Chardonnay blend works so well for this bottling. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: September 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year. (Drink between 2025-2030)" - Antonio Galloni (Apr 2025)

91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 
“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.” – William Kelley (Jan 2022)