R.H. Coutier Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Cuvee Henri III Extra Brut

R.H. Coutier Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Cuvée Henri III Extra Brut is a grower Champagne that showcases Pinot Noir in its purest, most expressive form. Crafted entirely from Grand Cru vineyards, it marries the power and depth of Pinot Noir with striking finesse and precision. Created in 1995 as a tribute to the family lineage, this cuvée has become a reference point for elegant, non-malolactic Blanc de Noirs from Champagne.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Cuvée Henri III presents a luminous, pale golden hue with delicate, persistent bubbles that form a fine, creamy mousse. On the nose, it opens with notes of red apple skin, ripe pear and wild strawberries, layered with brioche, toasted hazelnut, chalky minerality and a subtle hint of spice. The palate is taut, precise and energetic, reflecting its Extra Brut dosage and the decision to avoid malolactic fermentation. Expect a vibrant core of crunchy red fruits—raspberry, cranberry and redcurrant—balanced by citrus zest, white flowers and a distinct saline, chalk-driven finish. The structure is firm yet refined, with a long, mouthwatering aftertaste that makes it especially food-friendly. While already beautifully approachable, this Champagne has the backbone and acidity to age gracefully for 5–10 years from release, gaining complexity and more pronounced pastry and nutty nuances over time.

Production
Sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in the heart of Champagne—most notably the chalk-rich slopes of Ambonnay—this Blanc de Noirs is made entirely from Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero). The vines grow on classic Champagne terroir: deep chalk and limestone soils that provide excellent drainage and impart a distinct mineral tension to the wine. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to ensure careful selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed, and fermentation takes place with careful temperature control to preserve aromatics. Importantly, the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, a stylistic choice that maintains higher natural acidity, tension and purity of fruit. After the base wines are blended, the Champagne is bottled for its second fermentation and aged on the lees for an extended period, developing fine bubbles and subtle autolytic complexity before being disgorged with an Extra Brut dosage to highlight the terroir and structure.

Food & Serving
This refined Blanc de Noirs is an excellent partner for food, especially dishes that can stand up to the structure and depth of Pinot Noir. It pairs beautifully with tuna tartare, salmon sashimi, seared scallops, lobster, roast chicken, veal carpaccio or charcuterie, as well as aged hard cheeses and mushroom-based dishes. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F) to showcase its precision and minerality. A brief decant in a wide-bowled white wine glass, or simply allowing the wine to open in the glass for 10–15 minutes, can help reveal additional layers of fruit, spice and autolytic complexity.

Producer
R.H. Coutier is a respected grower-producer based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, one of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs for Pinot Noir. The Coutier family has been growing vines in Ambonnay for generations and was among the first in the village to bottle their own Champagne, emphasizing estate-grown authenticity and a strong sense of place. Known for their focus on Pinot Noir and for a style that often avoids malolactic fermentation, they produce Champagnes with remarkable clarity, freshness and structure. Cuvée Henri III, created in 1995, reflects the estate’s commitment to tradition, terroir expression and meticulous craftsmanship, reinforcing R.H. Coutier’s reputation as one of the standout artisanal houses in the region.

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