R.H. Coutier is a family grower based in Ambonnay, one of the Montagne de Reims’ celebrated Grand Cru villages. Cuvée Tradition draws on the domaine’s unusual strength in Chardonnay alongside Ambonnay Pinot Noir, giving this Extra Brut both the village’s natural depth and a fresher, more finely drawn profile.

Blend: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes: Crisp apple, white peach and pear meet white flowers, freshly baked bread and subtle toasted almond. Beneath the fruit is a chalky, lightly saline character, while the palate combines a fine mousse with restrained richness and a dry, clean finish.

Structure: Focused and energetic, with Chardonnay contributing lift and precision while Pinot Noir brings body and vinous depth. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the finish taut and dry, emphasizing texture and mineral definition rather than sweetness.

Drink Window: Now–2030. This is particularly compelling for its freshness and tension today, though several years of bottle age can bring additional brioche, nut and savory complexity.

Serving: Serve around 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne or white-wine glass rather than a narrow flute, allowing a few minutes in the glass for the wine’s texture and more vinous aromas to emerge.

Cuvée Tradition is a particularly useful introduction to the character of grower Champagne from Ambonnay: substantial enough for the table, yet dry and precise enough for an aperitif. It is well suited to oysters and shellfish, but has the depth to carry through roast chicken, richer fish preparations or aged Comté.