EGLY-OURIET

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne’s most respected grower-producers, based in Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims. Founded in the mid-20th century but brought to its current level of prestige by Francis Egly since taking over in 1982, the estate has become a benchmark for rich, terroir-driven, Pinot Noir–dominant Champagnes.

The domaine owns about 17 hectares of vineyards, much of it in Grand Cru Ambonnay, with additional parcels in Bouzy, Verzenay, and a small plot in Vrigny (Premier Cru, planted to Pinot Meunier). Most vines are old—many over 40 years—which contributes to the depth and concentration of the wines.

Egly-Ouriet is known for meticulous viticulture: low yields, organic principles (without formal certification), and harvesting only when grapes are fully ripe—uncommon in Champagne. In the cellar, Francis Egly works in a style that blends traditional methods with a Burgundian sensibility: fermentation in oak barrels (including some large demi-muids), extended lees aging (often far beyond the legal minimum), and very low dosage (or none at all), allowing the base wine and terroir to speak clearly.

The house style is powerful, vinous, and textural, with Champagnes that often feel more like fine white or red Burgundy with bubbles.