R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Extra Brut Rose NV

R.H. Coutier
$66.00

Grape: 60% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, 4% Red Wine-Pinot Noir
Vintage: NV
Type: Sparkling

30% aged in neutral French oak. Aged on lees for 30 months. The Coutier vineyards are all located in the 100% Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims which is known for its red wine grapes, mainly Pinot Noir.
Delicate salmon colored rosé with a fine but persistent mousse. The nose shows hints of fine red berries, especially gooseberries, with just a hint of toast. The Chardonnay here provides bracing acidity to match the richness of the Pinot Noir. Full and creamy though with great length. Power with finesse. Very classy stuff.

 

Aurélien Laherte is part of a dynamic generation of young vignerons making waves in Champagne and producing a fine array of terroir-driven wines using a natural approach to viticulture and winemaking. Aurélien took over in 2005 sheparding the estate to become one of the most progressive and dynamic rising stars in the appellation.

The Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was originally made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate which then covered about five hectares. 

The Laherte vineyards are situated largely in the Côteaux Sud D'Epernay, an interesting sub-region sandwiched between the Cotes des Blancs and the Vallee de la Marne, with pockets of soils that greatly resemble these two fine and geologically diverse regions. The vineyards themselves total 10.5 hectares (over 75 separate parcels), seven of which are farmed biodynamically and certified organic, with the rest farmed either 'uncertified organic' or at least sustainably. 

These wines are all vinified in used Burgundy barrels, without malolactic fermentation, and are bottled without fining and filtration. They are then finished with little or no dosage so as to not mask the individuality of the underlying terroirs.