Egly‑Ouriet Les Vignes de Vrigny Premier Cru Brut NV

Winery Background and History

Egly‑Ouriet, founded in 1930 in Ambonnay, is a cornerstone grower Champagne estate under the stewardship of fourth-generation Francis Egly. Renowned for power balanced with elegance, the houses’ Grand Cru vineyards and Premier Cru plots in Vrigny supply fruit for meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagnes. Their hallmark—extended lees aging, minimal dosage, and Burgundian finesse—achieves expression and depth seldom matched in the region 

Producer and Wine Maker

Francis Egly’s hands-on approach features hand-harvesting, indigenous yeast fermentations in tanks, and aging on lees for 36 months. The NV uses a low dosage (around 2 g/L), and is bottled unfined and unfiltered, staying true to a minimalist philosophy that channels clarity, texture, and place 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Sourced from an east-facing single vineyard in Vrigny Premier Cru, planted over 50 years ago on chalk-rich soils, this cuvée showcases Pinot Meunier’s purity and minerality. The cool Montagne de Reims climate supports freshness, while the old vines yield depth and complexity 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The blend comprises 100% Pinot Meunier (base 50% 2018, 30% 2017, 20% 2016). Fermentation occurs in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts, with no malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged on lees for 36 months, then disgorged with a 2 g/L dosage, and bottled unfined and unfiltered 

Tasting Notes

Reddish-gold in the glass with fine mousse. Aromas of red apple, strawberry, red currant, walnuts, and chalk combine with spicy, zesty nuances. The palate is energetic and precise, evoking orange, ginger, wet stone, and a polished, mineral-rich finish 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pair with oysters, shellfish, sashimi, creamy poultry, or rich seafood. Its chalky complexity and fine mineral structure ensure versatility across refined and savory cuisine 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8–10 °C in tulip-shaped or fine sparkling wine glasses to highlight its aromatic nuance, creamy mousse, and structural clarity.

Storage and Aging Potential

Approachable upon release but built for the cellar. Its acidity, energy, and depth suggest it will evolve gracefully over 10–12 years or more 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Meunier 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5% 

Scores (highest to lowest)

94 – Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide) 

94 – Wine Spectator 

93 – Jeb Dunnuck 

93 – Decanter (Tom Hewson) 

91 – Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 

91 – Wine Advocate (William Kelley)