Product Description
Egly-Ouriet was among the first producers to emerge in the grower Champagne movement. As such, he is perhaps sometimes overlooked in favour of some of his younger colleagues. Make no mistake about it, though, these wines are at the very top of the pecking order in Champagne today.
Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family to make wines from their exceptionally located, old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay – home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir that can be found in all of France. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent and commitment to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. His first step in the process was to farm his vineyards using organic practices, at a time when such a decision was nowhere close to being in fashion. Walking through these old vine, south-facing vineyards in Champagne’s homeland for great Pinot Noir. All the fastidious and meticulous work in the vineyards would be for naught without equal attention being paid in the cellar. For anyone who has tried these wines, it comes as no surprise that Francis’s thoughtfulness naturally extends into his gorgeous winery in the heart of Ambonnay. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvee). With the marvelous fruit that he harvests, it’s no wonder he would spare no expense in making sure every step from harvest to bottle allows for the purest expression of his hallowed terroir.
Beautiful fresh precision here, light on its feet but with Egly drive. The bouquet presents attractive aromas of white peach, apricot and honey. The light-bodied palate offers subtle notes orchard fruit and white flower supported by a soft acidity. Very fine mousse, with a sense of fine detail to the white fruited citrus scented freshly baked bread notes on a saline finish.