Egly-Ouriet

History of Champagne Egly-Ouriet

Founded after the Second World War, the Champagne Egly-Ouriet house is the fruit of a long family tradition. In 1945, Francis Egly's grandfather began cultivating three hectares of vines in the prestigious grand cru of Ambonnay, in the Montagne de Reims. This modest starting point evolved over the generations, with the acquisition of additional land — notably through marriages and purchases — enabling the family to expand its estate to 12 hectares, of which 10 hectares are classified as grand cru. Among these acquisitions is the renowned Les Crayères plot, where vines planted more than 60 years ago lend the wines a unique depth and complexity.

Francis Egly, who now leads the house, passionately carries on his father Michel's vision, always seeking to highlight the singular character of each terroir. A pioneer in the use of vinification techniques without malolactic fermentation, he has managed to marry tradition and innovation to produce champagnes aged at length in the cellar, some for more than six years, thereby guaranteeing unparalleled maturity and richness.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Champagne Egly-Ouriet

The Champagne Egly-Ouriet estate rests on exceptional terroirs, primarily located in the grand crus of Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay, as well as in the premier cru of Vrigny, where Pinot Meunier reigns supreme. The chalk-rich soils of the Montagne de Reims play a crucial role in the mineral expression of the wines, offering a tension and freshness typical of the champagnes of this region. 

The vines of the Egly-Ouriet estate, with an average age of 40 years, benefit from sustainable and environmentally respectful farming methods. Francis Egly pays particular attention to biodiversity and soil quality, refusing the use of chemical fertilisers and practising pruning that deliberately limits yields to guarantee exceptional aromatic concentration. Among these remarkable plots is that of Les Crayères, where old Pinot Noir vines, deeply rooted in the chalk, produce grapes of great purity, conferring an unmatched mineral power to the cuvées.

Vinifications of Champagne Egly-Ouriet

The vinification process at Egly-Ouriet reflects a unique expertise, combining respect for Champenois traditions with a constant pursuit of quality. The house distinguishes itself through its wood-barrel vinification, using oak casks of 1 to 5 years for certain cuvées — a rare practice in Champagne that enriches the aromatic complexity of the wines while respecting their natural freshness. Malolactic fermentation is not sought, in order to preserve that fresh and vibrant acidity which gives Egly-Ouriet's champagnes their so characteristic elegance.

Each stage of the vinification is carefully controlled to best reveal the identity of the terroirs. The second fermentation takes place slowly in the cellar, and the wines age on the lees for several years, with a minimum of 36 months and up to 10 years for the most prestigious cuvées. This long ageing on the lees brings exceptional aromatic richness, enhanced by a fine and delicate bubble.

The champagnes are neither fined nor filtered before bottling, thus preserving the full aromatic integrity of the wines. Finally, the dosage remains very low, or even non-existent for certain extra-brut cuvées, in order to allow the full purity of fruit and terroir to express itself.

The cuvées of Champagne Egly-Ouriet

The range of Champagne Egly-Ouriet champagnes is composed of varied cuvées, each highlighting a specific terroir or grape variety, while retaining the elegant and complex signature of the house.

Champagne 1er Cru Vignes de Vrigny: A 100% Pinot Meunier cuvée, sourced exclusively from the premier cru terroir of Vrigny. This Champagne reveals exotic and brioche notes, with a creamy and sophisticated palate.

Champagne Brut Grand Cru: Composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, this Champagne is a model of balance between power and finesse. Aged on the lees for nearly a year, it stands out for its complex aromas of pineapple, mango and brioche.

Champagne Brut Rosé: A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a touch of reserve red wine. This rosé reveals indulgent aromas of raspberry, apricot and pastry cream, enhanced by a lively acidity and a fine mousse.

Champagne Grand Cru V.P. Extra Brut: This wine, after more than seven years of ageing on the lees, reveals impressive complexity, with a minimal dosage of 2g/L. The power of the Pinot Noir harmonises perfectly with the finesse of the Chardonnay, for a rich and structured Champagne.

Champagne Grand Cru Millésimé: From the finest years, this vintage reveals notes of roasted almonds and dried fruits. An opulent and powerful Champagne, marked by a great persistence on the palate.

Champagne Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Les Crayères: This 100% Pinot Noir comes from vines planted in 1946 on an exceptional terroir in Ambonnay. The chalky minerality of the soil brings a rare finesse and elegance to this highly intense Champagne.

Coteaux Champenois Ambonnay

The most remarkable vintages of the Champagne appellation since the 1980s include: 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2015, and 2018. These years stand out for their exceptional climatic conditions, yielding champagnes of great finesse, aromatic complexity, and excellent ageing potential.

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Champagne Egly-Ouriet, a true gem of the Montagne de Reims, has established itself as a benchmark for lovers of characterful champagnes. Through meticulous work both in the vineyard and in the cellar, the house offers cuvées of unparalleled elegance and complexity. Whether you are looking for an expressive rosé Champagne, an intense blanc de noirs, or an exceptional vintage, every bottle of Egly-Ouriet is a promise of refined pleasure, to be discovered and savoured without restraint.