Tasting Notes(2)
4.3
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About
Egly-Ouriet, the four-generation Ambonnay estate that defines the modern grower-Champagne template. Francis Egly took over in 1982 and stopped selling fruit to négociants; today his children Clémence (exports) and Charles (vineyards) are involved. Roughly 20 ha across Grand Cru parcels in Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay, plus 1er Cru parcels in Trigny, Vrigny, and Bisseuil. Late picking, low yields, lees ageing 3-7 years (up to 9 for VP), no malolactic.
Les Prémices is one of two tank-vinified entry cuvées (the other is Les Vignes de Vrigny, 100% Pinot Meunier from four 1970-planted parcels). Les Prémices itself is a single ~3.5 ha parcel in Trigny (1er Cru, Massif de Saint-Thierry, sandier soils, SE exposure, ~40-year vines), the family's 2016 acquisition; first commercial release came in 2020 with a 2016-base cuvée. Equal thirds Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier; stainless steel ferment, indigenous yeasts, no malolactic, unfined and unfiltered. ~36 months on lees, dosed at 1 g/l on the most recent disgorgement (earlier releases sat closer to 2 g/l) - extra brut by intent.
Champagne 2020: warm, even, healthy fruit, generous ripeness; widely rated very good despite COVID-era yield caps. Less weight than the grand cru lineup - same precision, lighter frame.
