Egly-Ouriet
Founded in Ambonnay, Champagne Egly-Ouriet has established itself as one of the leading names in grower champagne. When Francis Egly took over the family estate in 1982, he transformed a house formerly focused on selling grapes into a benchmark of the Champagne movement. The estate comprises 12 hectares, primarily Grand Cru in Ambonnay, complemented by parcels in Bouzy, Verzenay, and Vrigny. Planted with 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and a small amount of Pinot Meunier, the vineyard boasts some old vines, some dating back to 1947.
Guided by a demanding philosophy, Francis Egly prioritizes meticulous work in the vineyard, late harvests for perfectly ripe grapes, and minimal intervention in the cellar. His powerful, structured champagnes, deeply marked by their terroir, are now among the most sought-after cuvées by enthusiasts, sommeliers, and collectors worldwide.
“As vinous and concentrated as they are harmonious and elegant, these wines occupy an important place in the recent history of Champagne. If the region now produces wines worthy of the greatest wines in the world, and if small winegrowers are now setting quality standards in a region long dominated by large merchants, Francis Egly owes a large part of the credit.”
William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, May 2025
Winemaking
The base wines are vinified in old Burgundy oak barrels using indigenous yeasts, then bottled without fining or filtration. Extended aging on the lees is one of the estate's hallmarks: the Brut Tradition and Vignes de Vrigny rest for a minimum of three years on the lees, while the other cuvées benefit from much longer aging, thus gaining depth, complexity, and longevity. Recent temperature control in the cellars has allowed for even greater reduction in the use of sulfur, enhancing the purity of the wines.
In addition to its iconic champagnes, Egly-Ouriet also produces a few rare red Coteaux Champenois wines made from Pinot Noir. Produced in very small quantities, these still wines are among the most sought-after in the appellation, admired for their Burgundian character and remarkable depth.
Champagne Egly-Ouriet
A true benchmark for grower champagne, Francis Egly crafts powerful and elegant cuvées, faithful to their terroirs. Through extended aging, meticulous winemaking, and absolute respect for the fruit, each bottle embodies the artisanal excellence of Champagne.
