Egly-Ouriet - Champagne Extra Brut GRAND CRU NV 750ml (12.5% ABV)

Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family, who have old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay (home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir in Champagne), where he is considered perhaps the finest grower. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. He began using organic methods in the vineyards, with regular ploughing, and reduced yields. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvée).

Francis believes deeply that complexity and structure comes not only from perfect fruit, but also from extended lees aging. This belief is felt throughout his lineup, with most of his wines undergoing a minimum of 48 months on the lees with some cuvees being aged for 100+ months!

Practicing organic • 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay • 50% 2018, 30% 2017, 20% 2016 • From 90% Ambonnay, 10% Bouzy and Verzenay • Indigenous yeast • No malo • Fermented and aged in barrel (10% new) • Aged 48 months on the lees • Dosage: 1g/L • Unfined and unfiltered

magnificent complexity, baked apple, red & black cherries, chalky minerality, peach, figs, sea spray, toasty brioche, spice, palate is rich and layered, depth & density for days, chiseled acidity, unrelenting bubbles, enjoy with someone special or stash away for a decade or more!

90% Ambonnay (Grand Cru), 10% Bouzy (Grand Cru) and Verzenay (Grand Cru)

region: Montagne de Reims, Champagne France

varietal: 70% Pinot Noir 30% Chardonnay

style: bubbles (champagne method)

farming/cellar: practicing organic, ambient yeast, base wine fermented and matured in barrel (10% new), no malo, unfined unfiltered

pairing: