Egly‑Ouriet Blanc de Noirs “Les Crayères” Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru Extra Brut NV

Winery Background and History

Egly‑Ouriet is a champion of grower Champagne, rooted in Ambonnay’s slopes since 1930. Under Francis Egly’s stewardship, the domaine has achieved iconic status for crafting terroir-pure wines using old-vine plots, extended lees aging, and minimal dosage practices. The estate embodies Burgundian elegance in Champagne form, prioritizing expressiveness and authenticity. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Francis Egly upholds artisanal winemaking with hand-harvest, indigenous yeast fermentation, and extended barrel and lees maturation. Les Crayères Blanc de Noirs hails from a revered plot and is vinified in barrel, benefiting from the house’s low-intervention philosophy that emphasizes texture, depth, and purity. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

This Blanc de Noirs comes exclusively from the Les Crayères single-vineyard in Ambonnay—a Grand Cru site planted in 1946 with vines grown on shallow, chalk-rich, south-facing slopes. The terroir offers structure, minerality, and aromatic intensity—a legendary expression of Pinot Noir. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The cuvée is a blend of 50% 2015 and 50% 2014 base wines, all 100% Pinot Noir. Fermentation and aging occur in barrel (10% new), followed by around 72 months on lees. Dosage is extremely low at just 1 g/L. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its natural character. 

Tasting Notes

In the glass, pale gold with an alluring mousse. Aromas of red berries, forest fruit, toasted brioche, honey, yuzu confit, and baking spices unfold. The palate is medium-bodied, layered, and energetic, marked by chalky minerality and striking tension, ending in a pristine, saline-tinged finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Exceptionally suited to refined seafood such as oysters, sashimi, or lobster. It also complements charcuterie, creamy poultry dishes, and savory, citrus-accented cuisine—its energy and texture elevate variety of refined plates. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled between 8–10 °C in a tulip-shaped or fine sparkling wine glass to preserve its delicate mousse, aromatic complexity, and nuanced texture.

Storage and Aging Potential

Though compelling now, its structure, finesse, and energy point to remarkable longevity. Expect ongoing development in the cellar over the next 15–20 years.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Noir (Grand Cru, Les Crayères Vieilles Vignes) 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.5 % 

Scores

100 – Bettane & Desseauve (2024)

98+ – William Kelley (Wine Advocate)

98 – La Revue du Vin de France

97 – Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent)

96 – Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide)

96 – Jeb Dunnuck

96 – Vinous (Antonio Galloni)