From the moment I stepped inside Auterra, a refreshing gust of cool air met the lingering delicate fizz of champagne, an elegant welcome to what would unfold as a quietly captivating afternoon. The atmosphere was hushed yet brimmed with anticipation, which set the tone for an experience where every detail was considered.

Resembling a refined bar, Auterra had a thoughtful spatial layout: A wide, open line of sight stretched from the cosy front seating area to a well-lit cellar at the back; shelves are lined with countless bottles of champagnes, wines, and spirits. Watching a staff's retrieval of a bottle added theatrics to the experience, like a sommelier’s stage set for liquid storytelling. On the table were tall flickering candles tied with silk ribbon, delicate stemware, and a beautiful arrangement that looked part charcuterie, part art installation. It featured an array of caviars alongside thoughtfully plated accompaniments, an edible prelude to a sensory afternoon.

We began with the Esprit “G”, a welcome pour that leaned sweeter than expected, yet gracefully quiet on the palate with its pale golden yellow fruity blend. Unlike your typical effervescent champagne, Esprit “G” dissolves its bubbles almost instantly, leaving behind a smooth texture more akin to white wine. As I sipped, I was introduced to Matthew Lonergan, co-founder of Pivēne, and Julien Drevon, CEO of Pivēne, who offered a personal tour of the cellar. Lonergan explained that the Esprit “G” contains a lower sugar content, which explains its restrained fizz, an intentional characteristic shared by several of their bottles.

Drevon shared insights into Pivēne’s expansive offerings, ranging from boutique champagnes to premium spirits and even Japanese sake as well as the ethos behind Pivēne, curated quality over quantity, accessibility without compromise, and a deep respect for provenance. Whether you’re searching for a casual nightcap or a celebratory bottle, their offerings range from approachable options under SGD50 to rare finds over SGD300. It is a place where collectors and the curious coexist, where wine isn’t intimidating, but intimate. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or celebrating a milestone, there’s something tailored for every occasion.

Back at the table, our first tasting was the Perpetual Reserve 1990–2020, paired with Oscietra Golden Caviar. With 80 per cent Pinot Noir and 20 per cent Chardonnay, the champagne had a crisp vivacity, bone dry yet layered with flavours of bread crust, grapefruit peel, dried orange, and just the subtlest whisper of clove. The pairing created a textured sip that elevated the buttery richness of the caviar. The saltiness of the roe gave way to the champagne’s citrusy tang, creating a dance of contrast and cohesion.

Next was the MV Aÿ Grand Cru MV19, served alongside the Schrenckii x Huso Dauricus Hybrid Caviar. The champagne delivered a fine, velvety mousse with aromas of dried citrus, pastry, and light walnut while earthy undertones (more forest-floor than toasted wood) added dimension, lingering on the nose. The caviar brought creamy savouriness and a tint of toasted hazelnut, which married beautifully with the champagne’s woody afternotes.

For the penultimate pairing, the Argonne Aÿ Grand Cru 2015 (which commanded attention from the first sniff) exudes rich aromas with hints of lemon peel, oak bark, mushroom, and a trace of salted caramel base. This created a deeply layered profile. When paired with Acipenser Baerii Caviar, the roe's buttery texture and subtle nuttiness countered the champagne’s tang and heightens its more savoury, almost umami-driven notes. A bold contrast that somehow found perfect harmony.

As the afternoon winds down, the final pour arrived. The Ratafia Champenois, which is exclusive to Pivēne, is a sweet, amber-hued wine that shimmered like liquid honey. It unfolded with a smell of spiced orange peel which later moved to roasted spices like the warmth of winter bottled for eternal sipping. Rich but not cloying, it offered a long, lingering finish that felt like a sigh at the end of a perfect afternoon.

The afternoon's tasting was part of Pivēne’s tribute to a historic milestone—the 400th anniversary of Maison Henri Giraud, one of Champagne’s oldest and most revered houses. At Pivēne, every glass poured is not just about what’s in the bottle, but about who poured it, why it was made, and the joy of sharing it.

Pivēne is offering 30 per cent promotion on the Henri Giraud Collection until 22 June.