NV Remi Couvreur Brut Champagne 750 ml

It was Friday night at Eater Restaurant of the Year China Live. Aromas of sizzling meat wafted in the air. Cooks jounced woks over open flames. Excited chatter filled the room, and a range of flavors circled the table. There was plenty of competition for our attention.

Until the Rémi Couvreur Brut Champagne hit our glasses.

Piercing the richness of pan-fried pork dumplings with its refreshing acidity and fine mousse, it stopped us dead in our tracks. We turned back to the glass, took in the aromatic bouquet of citrus blossom, green apple, and ginger, pondered the palate’s multifaceted character—the way it corralled its lively energy, allowing subtle spice notes to emerge. Then, we called for another bottle. 

This is the type of balance, freshness, and food-friendliness that’s possible from the hills of northern Reims. Champagne Alain Couvreur has been making wine here for five generations, on family-farmed plots in Vallée de la Vesle and Massif de Saint-Thierry, two of Champagne’s northernmost sub-regions. 

Here, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown in silty limestone soils lend richness and complexity to the wines. The estate vineyards are planted on steep slopes, which are difficult to farm, but provide excellent drainage and sun exposure. And the family follows viticulture raisonnée farming practices, avoiding pesticides and herbicides whenever possible.

The Rémi Couvreur (named for the current winemaker) is built on 40% Pinot Noir and 35% Pinot Meunier, with 25% Chardonnay rounding out the blend. Couvreur let this wine rest for 36 months on the lees—three times the requirement for non-vintage Champagnes—adding texture and complexity. At the table or on its own, this bottle is vibrant and multi-dimensional, a true joy to drink.