Egly-Ouriet

History of Champagne Egly-Ouriet

Founded after World War II, the Egly-Ouriet house is the result 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 beginning evolved over generations, with acquisitions of additional land, notably through marriages and purchases, allowing the family to expand their domain to 12 hectares, including 10 hectares classified as grand cru. Among these acquisitions is the famous Les Crayères parcel, where vines planted over 60 years ago give the wines unique depth and complexity.

Francis Egly, now at the helm of the house, passionately continues his father Michel's vision, always seeking to highlight the unique character of each terroir. A pioneer in using vinification techniques without malolactic fermentation, he has successfully married tradition and innovation to produce champagnes aged for long periods in the cellar, some for over six years, thus ensuring incomparable maturity and richness.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Champagne Egly-Ouriet

The Egly-Ouriet estate is based on exceptional terroirs, mainly located in the grand crus of Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay, but also 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 tension and freshness typical of champagnes from this region.

The Egly-Ouriet house's vines, averaging 40 years old, benefit from sustainable and environmentally respectful cultivation 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 ensure exceptional aromatic concentration. Among these remarkable parcels is Les Crayères, where old Pinot Noir vines, deeply rooted in chalk, produce grapes of great purity, giving the cuvées unparalleled mineral power.

Vinification at Champagne Egly-Ouriet

The vinification process at Egly-Ouriet reflects unique expertise, combining respect for Champagne traditions and a constant quest for quality. The house distinguishes itself by its wood vinification, using oak barrels aged 1 to 5 years for certain cuvées, a rare process in Champagne that enriches the aromatic complexity of the wines while respecting their natural freshness. Malolactic fermentation is not sought, to preserve the fresh and vibrant acidity that gives Egly-Ouriet champagnes their characteristic elegance.

Each stage of 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 lees for several years, with a minimum of 36 months and up to 10 years for the most prestigious cuvées. This long ageing on lees brings exceptional aromatic richness, enhanced by fine and delicate bubbles.

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

The Cuvées of Champagne Egly-Ouriet 

The range of Egly-Ouriet champagnes consists of varied cuvées, each highlighting a specific terroir or grape variety, while maintaining 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 lees for nearly a year, it is distinguished by 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 gourmet aromas of raspberry, apricot and crème pâtissière, enhanced by lively acidity and fine mousse.

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

Champagne Grand Cru Millésimé: From the best years, this vintage reveals notes of toasted almonds and dried fruits. An opulent and powerful champagne, marked by 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 rare finesse and elegance to this champagne of great intensity.

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 are distinguished by exceptional climatic conditions, offering champagnes of great finesse, aromatic complexity, and excellent ageing potential.

Find other winemaker champagnes such as those from Benoit Marguet, Larmandier Bernier, Agrapart, Laherte, Dehours, Françoise Bedel, R. Pouillon, Eric Rodez, Chartogne Taillet, Selosse, Jacques Lassaigne, Leclerc Briant, Ruppert Leroy...

Champagne Egly-Ouriet, a true jewel of the Montagne de Reims, stands as a reference for lovers of champagnes with character. Thanks to meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar, the house offers cuvées of incomparable elegance and complexity. Whether you're looking for an expressive rosé champagne, an intense blanc de noirs or an exceptional vintage, each bottle of Egly-Ouriet is a promise of refined pleasure, to be discovered and savoured without moderation.