Egly-OurietBrutLesVignesdeBisseuil1erCruBV19NV

Champagne Egly-Ouriet is renowned for its commitment to traditional, meticulous winemaking practices. Founded in 1930, the estate has evolved into a cult Champagne producer, beloved by connoisseurs around the world, and is now considered one of the finest grower Champagnes. With a focus on single-vineyard, vintage Champagne, Egly-Ouriet emphasizes the expression of terroir, highlighting the unique character of each vineyard parcel. The estate spans 21 hectares, farmed organically or biodynamically, with 10 hectares in the Grand Cru villages of Ambonnay 8 ha, Bouzy 0.3 ha, and Verzenay 1.7 ha. In Premier Cru villages; Vrigny 2 ha, Bisseuil 1.3 ha and recent expansion into Trigny 7.75 ha.rrIn 1982, Francis Egly took the helm of the family business, returning it to 100% estate bottling and driving the brand to new heights. In 2008, he further enhanced quality by installing two Coquard presses, allowing for better control over juice extraction. The juice is then fermented in mostly older oak barrels, the malolactic fermentation is typically suppressed and the wine spends extended time resting on the lees before blending. rrToday, his children, Clémence and Charles, play key roles in the business—Clémence oversees exports, while Charles manages the vineyards, ensuring the continued legacy of excellence and innovation at Champagne Egly-Ouriet. rrThe Egly Bisseuil vines cover 1.5 hectares and span two lieux-dits. They have now been farmed by the Egly family for more than seven years—Francis and Annick Egly purchased these vines in anticipation of their children Clémence and Charles joining the domaine.rrThis is the fourth release of Egly’s sole Chardonnay dominant cuvée and it’s the second release to include three vintages in the blend. The wine is drawn from a plot of vines on the south-facing slopes of Bisseuil, a village just to the east of the famous Grand Cru communes of Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This is a blend mainly based on Chardonnay, contrary to what Egly are used to doing. This vintage has benefited from vinification in barrels and aging in cellars for 4 years before disgorging. Based around the 2019 vintage (50%), with 2018 (30%) and 2017 (20%) making up the blend. rrWeather: The 2019 growing period posed many challenges following budbreak in early April, which brought severe spring frosts that took their toll on the vineyards. Early summer was variable, with powdery mildew becoming a serious threat. The summer season saw two heatwaves in June and July, with a record-breaking temperature. As a consequence, scalding destroyed some 10% of the expected harvest. The warm and sunny weather continued throughout August and September, bringing concentration and richness. Cool nights were crucial in helping the grapes retain their fresh acidity. Chardonnay was more problematic in 2019, due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew. A slightly smaller crop was picked, commencing September 2nd. On paper, the potential alcohol level was slightly up from 2019 and the acidity a little higher, thus the balance looks excellent. Initial tasting confirms good tension and fine purity in the wines. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Premier Cru: Bisseuil rGrape Varieties: 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir & 15% MeunierrBase vintage: 2019rReserve wines: 30% 2018 & 20% 2017rDisgorged: July 2024rLees Ageing: 4 YearsrDosage: 1 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030+rrTasting Note: Les Vignes de Bisseuil is superb. Baked apple tart, white flower, tangerine oil, slate and sage all race across the palate. Deceptive at first in its light-bodied, airy feel, the 2019 opens beautifully in the glass, revealing myriad shades of nuance and tons of finesse to match. I love this for its dimension, breadth and complexity. â€?Tasted by Antonio Galloni