Egly Ouriet winery
Egly-Ouriet is a family-owned Champagne grower-producer based in Ambonnay, one of the most prestigious Grand Cru villages in the Montagne de Reims. The domaine is led by Francis Egly, who took over from his father Michel in the early 1980s and has since become one of the most respected figures in the grower Champagne movement. The estate’s roots trace back to the 1940s, and today it cultivates about 12 hectares of vines, primarily in Ambonnay but also in the neighboring villages of Bouzy and Verzenay, as well as a small holding in Vrigny, which is classified as Premier Cru.
Egly-Ouriet’s vineyards are predominantly planted to Pinot Noir, which accounts for about 70% of the holdings, with the remainder mainly Chardonnay and a small amount of Pinot Meunier. The vines are old, with many parcels exceeding 40 years of age, and the domaine has long practiced meticulous viticulture, emphasizing low yields, careful pruning, and sustainable farming. While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, Egly-Ouriet is committed to natural vineyard management, avoiding herbicides and synthetic chemicals, and focusing on soil health and biodiversity.
In the cellar, Francis Egly is known for his uncompromising approach to quality. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, often later than most in Champagne, resulting in wines with remarkable concentration and depth. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, and a significant proportion of the wines are vinified and aged in oak barrels, a practice that adds complexity and texture. Malolactic fermentation is not systematically blocked or encouraged; the decision is made according to the character of each vintage. The wines spend extended periods aging on their lees, often three to six years for the non-vintage cuvées and even longer for vintage bottlings, far exceeding the regional norms. This lengthy maturation imparts richness, nuance, and a signature creamy texture to the wines.
Egly-Ouriet produces a concise but highly regarded range of Champagnes. The Brut Tradition Grand Cru, predominantly Pinot Noir, is the domaine’s flagship non-vintage cuvée, celebrated for its depth and purity. The Brut Rosé, made by blending red wine from old Pinot Noir vines, is prized for its complexity and gastronomic character. The Blanc de Noirs “Les Crayères” is sourced from a single vineyard of old vines in Ambonnay and is considered one of the benchmark expressions of Pinot Noir in Champagne. The millésime (vintage) wines, produced only in exceptional years, are powerful, age-worthy, and built for the table. A small quantity of Blanc de Blancs is also produced from Chardonnay vines in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay.
Egly-Ouriet Champagnes are widely sought after by collectors, sommeliers, and enthusiasts for their intensity, precision, and ability to age gracefully. The wines are often described as vinous, structured, and expressive of their terroir, standing apart from the larger houses with their artisanal approach and commitment to authenticity. Francis Egly’s relentless pursuit of excellence has made the domaine a benchmark among grower-producers, and its bottles are considered essential by those seeking Champagne with character, depth, and a true sense of place.