Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Millésime 2002

The superb Champagne Egly-Ouriet, a Récoltant-Manipulant from the pretty Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims.

They have around twelve hectares of vineyards, the majority of which lie in Ambonnay, mainly planted with Pinot Noir as well as some parcels in the Grand Cru villages of Bouzy and Verzenay. They also have a plot in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny which is planted with old Pinot Meunier vines used in the cuvée “les Vignes de Vrigny”. They also have a lieu-dit in Ambonnay named “Les Crayères” which is planted with very old Pinot Noir vines dating back to 1946 used in the utterly brilliant “Blanc de Noirs Vielles Vignes”.

This exciting house is biodynamically influenced and producing cuvées of the very highest quality. The yield is kept very low and the natural vinification process largely takes place in oak “barriques”. Dosage is also very low across the entire range and the natural processes ensure low levels of sulphur. Add to this mix the single vineyard and lieu-dit cuvées and the result is truly stunning Champagnes. Testament to what can be achieved by a great Récoltant.

Producing around 68,000 bottles per year, Egly-Ouriet offer six cuvées along with Ambonnay Rouge and Ratafia. It is worth noting that Anselme Selosse used to buy his Pinot Noir from Francis Egly to produce his own Rosé which is a very good yardstick indeed!

A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from 45-year-old vines,vinified in barrels, 25% of which were new. Egly’s vintage is one of the most sought-after grower Champagnes in the world especially in such a great vintage as this, and for very good reason.

Ambonnay’s unique terroir gives rich, meaty depth to this Champagne, yet there is freshness and acidity on the finish that gives length and an uplifted finish.

Dining:

A champagne as this goes well with dishes of chicken, fish dishes with a little bit stronger flavor and kaldyr of various kinds also soft cheeses.