Champagne Egly-Ouriet is recognized for its focus on terroir-driven wines. Below is a detailed overview of the wines in their assortment, categorized by key viticultural and vinification characteristics.
1. Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru "Vieilles Vignes"
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Surface Area: Approximately 2 hectares
Exposure: Predominantly southeast-facing slopes, ensuring optimal sunlight for ripening.
Subsoil: Chalk and limestone, characteristic of the Ambonnay terroir, with excellent drainage properties.
Colour: White
Production: Limited to around 6,000 bottles annually. Harvesting is manual to ensure precision in grape selection.
Vinification: Fermentation occurs in oak barrels, adding depth to the wine. Malolactic fermentation is deliberately avoided, preserving freshness and structure. Aging on lees extends for a minimum of 72 months, followed by manual riddling and disgorgement.
Description: This wine highlights the minerality and intensity typical of the Ambonnay region.
2. Grand Cru Brut Tradition
Grape Variety: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Surface Area: Sourced from 9 hectares across Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay.
Exposure: Primarily south-facing, ensuring even ripening.
Subsoil: A mix of chalk and clay-limestone soils, contributing to the wine’s structure and complexity.
Colour: White
Production: Approximately 20,000 bottles produced annually. Meticulous hand-picking ensures only the finest grapes are used.
Vinification: Initial fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Full malolactic fermentation is employed, followed by 48 months of lees aging. Minimal dosage is applied to maintain balance.
Description: A classic expression of the Grand Cru terroirs, emphasizing harmony between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
3. Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Surface Area: 3 hectares in Ambonnay
Exposure: East-facing vineyards, ideal for Chardonnay cultivation.
Subsoil: Deep chalk layers, imparting finesse and vibrancy.
Colour: White
Production: Roughly 10,000 bottles per year. The vines average 40 years in age, contributing to concentrated yields.
Vinification: Fermentation takes place in old oak barrels, ensuring integration without overpowering. No malolactic fermentation occurs, and the wine spends 60 months aging on lees.
Description: This wine demonstrates the unique expression of Chardonnay grown in Ambonnay’s chalk-rich soils.
4. Les Vignes de Vrigny Premier Cru
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Meunier
Surface Area: 2 hectares in the village of Vrigny
Exposure: South-facing slopes
Subsoil: Sandy topsoil overlying chalk, providing distinctive growing conditions.
Colour: White
Production: Limited to 5,000 bottles annually. Manual harvesting ensures precision in grape quality.
Vinification: Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, followed by partial malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged on lees for a minimum of 48 months before disgorgement.
Description: An exploration of Pinot Meunier as a single-varietal Champagne.
5. Rosé Grand Cru
Grape Variety: 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay
Surface Area: Vines are spread across 6 hectares in Ambonnay.
Exposure: Mixed southeast and southwest exposures.
Subsoil: Chalk with occasional clay-limestone deposits.
Colour: Rosé
Production: Approximately 8,000 bottles annually. A small proportion of red wine is added during blending.
Vinification: The base wine undergoes fermentation in oak barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation is carried out, with aging on lees for 48 months. Dosage remains minimal.
Description: Combines the structural qualities of Pinot Noir with the refinement of Chardonnay.
6. Millésimé Grand Cru
Grape Variety: Blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (percentages vary by vintage).
Surface Area: Sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyards in Ambonnay.
Exposure: Predominantly south-facing.
Subsoil: Classic chalk base, ensuring vitality and longevity.
Colour: White
Production: Production levels vary by vintage but remain small due to the focus on exceptional years.
Vinification: Oak barrel fermentation is standard. The wine undergoes extended lees aging for over 84 months. No malolactic fermentation is employed to preserve vibrancy.
Description: A representation of the vintage’s character combined with the estate’s signature style.
7. Ambonnay Rouge "Côteaux Champenois"
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Surface Area: A single hectare dedicated to still wine production.
Exposure: Steep south-facing slopes.
Subsoil: Chalk and limestone, typical of Ambonnay.
Colour: Red
Production: Limited to 1,000 bottles per year. Grapes are hand-harvested at peak ripeness.
Vinification: Traditional red wine vinification in oak barrels, with no carbonic maceration. The wine ages in oak for 12 to 18 months.
Description: A rare example of still red wine from the Champagne region.
Each Egly-Ouriet Champagne reflects a meticulous approach to terroir and a deep respect for tradition. This Champagne house consistently upholds its reputation for winemaking excellence and authenticity.