Pop, Pour, Wow: Discover Ambonnay’s Hidden Gem Grand Cru Champagne
- Michael Perman
- Oct 5
- 2 min read
Tiny Production, Big Celebration: Meet R.H. Coutier
One of the sparkling highlights of our 2025 wine tasting season is the R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Tradition NV, a Champagne that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. If you’ve ever wondered what “NV” means, here’s the secret: unlike vintage Champagnes that come from a single year, NV or non-vintage—Champagnes are masterfully blended from several harvests to create the most harmonious, exquisite expression of the house style.
A Unique Blend from Ambonnay
R.H. Coutier’s Tradition is crafted from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from Ambonnay, a famed Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims. Just under a mile away, the legendary Egly-Ouriet Champagne hails from the same terroir, but here’s the kicker: Coutier offers similar elegance at roughly one-third the price, making it an incredible value for a Champagne lover seeking refinement without compromise.
Centuries of Care and Sustainable Farming
The Coutier family has been cultivating Ambonnay’s chalky, clay-rich soils since 1619. Their 9-hectare estate embraces “lutte raisonnée” viticulture. Think of that term as smart, minimal-intervention farming. Vines grow with care: grass between the rows, biodiversity encouraged, avoiding interventions. The result? Healthy vines that express the full personality of their terroir.
Terroir and Vinification That Shines
Ambonnay can be cooler than other Champagne villages, but Coutier’s vineyards benefit from south and southeast exposures, bathing the vines in just the right amount of sunlight. The soil’s blend of chalk, limestone, and clay gives the wine richness, depth, and a creamy texture. 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. To best safeguard the freshness and natural acidity of the grapes, only about half of the Coutier wines go through malolactic fermentation.
Flavors That Spark Joy
This Grand Cru spends four years aging on the lees, allowing it to develop the signature toasted brioche notes, layered with orchard fruits, apple blossoms, hints of ginger and mint, bright orange peel, and subtle honeycomb. Its creamy mousse and elegant bubbles make every sip a moment to savor.
Small Production, Big Celebration
With only 2,000 cases produced annually, R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Tradition is a rare and stark contrast to the millions of bottles of Dom Pérignon or Veuve Clicquot produced each year. Priced around $75, it’s a Champagne that lets you celebrate in style without breaking the bank. R. H. Coutier is one of the best domaines in Ambonnay and is a wonderful introduction to the magic of grand cru Champagne.
Say Cheers With Us
If you’re looking for a rare Champagne with a story, history, and soul, it’s perfect for your next corporate event celebration with clients or teams, or to feature in one of our luxury wine tasting events. At C’EST WHAT? Wine and Sensory, we specialize in curated Champagne and wine experiences that combine taste, storytelling, and sensory delight.
Connect with me to explore R.H. Coutier and other rare Grand Cru Champagnes:
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