Egly-Ouriet

Champagne, France

In case you couldn’t tell, we’re huge fans of small grower champagnes here at Field Blend.
One of the producers that got our tastebuds standing to attention is Francis Egly, who is considered one of the reference points for grower champagne.
Ouriet is based in the village of Ambonnay, which is home to some of the world’s great Pinot Noir based wines.

In total, the vineyard covers around 10 hectares on the Grand Cru areas of Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay. The vines have an average age of 40 years. The soil is clay-limestone and benefits from a south-south-east exposure. The meticulous vineyard work Egly is renowned for helps achieve perfectly ripe fruit.

Contrary to other producers in Champagne, who sell bottles younger and younger, Egly follows his father Michel’s tenet of patience. He waits to sell his bruts after four years of ageing, and his vintages after six years. The vineyard has a low production, around 100.000 bottles depending on the year. That makes for one precious drop!

Wines