I love champagne. No question. Visiting the whole area several times in 2017 made me addicted to this exciting sparkling wines. Extra cool that my buddy Nicolas has one the hottest places in the region – Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage in Reims.
Egly-Ouriet has 12ha vineyards, which are located in Ambonnay (8ha), Bouzy, Verzenay an Vrigny. The main part of his champagnes are based on Pinot Noir, whereas this one is 100% Meunier (Pinot Meunier). As the name says the vines of this champagne are from Vrigny, which are some of his oldest vines that reach down to the 1950’s.
The wine is based on the 2011 vintage and reserve wines from the two previous years.
On the nose the champagne shows ripe stonefruit, peach and apricote and yellow crushed apple. Fine notes of baking spices, hints of nuts and freshly baked brioche make it a lovely and complex bouquet.
The palate is bone dry but juicy and well structured, great tension, elegant and full of finesse. Hints of almond and baking spices meet a fine but pushing acidity make it a round and complex champagne which animates to drink more. The minerality reflecting the terroir – which is typical for Egly-Ouriet – shows prickling on the tongue and long finish, too. The perlage is super fine and pleasant on the palate. Such a lovely sip!
Facts:
Producer: Egly-Ouriet
Wine: Les Vignes de Vrigny Brut Premier Cru
Grape: 100% Pinot Meunier
Region: France, Champagne, Montagne de Reims
Price: >60€
Enjoyed at: Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage, Reims