Pre Arrival Egly-Ouriet Champagne 1er Cru "Les Vignes de Bisseuil" Brut (R19)

94 VM

Notes:

The NV (2019) 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. Dosage is 1 gram per liter. Disgorged: July 2024. Vinous 94

Producer: Egly-Ouriet is universally regarded as one of Champagne's benchmark grower-producers. Based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, Francis Egly has spent more than four decades transforming his family's estate into one of the region's most respected domaines. Farming approximately 17 hectares, primarily in Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay, Vrigny, and Bisseuil, the estate is built upon old vines, exceptionally low yields, sustainable farming, and harvesting at full physiological ripeness. Every wine is fermented in oak barrels, aged extensively on its lees, and bottled with minimal dosage. In recent years, Francis Egly has subtly refined his style by reducing oak influence while preserving the estate's signature concentration, allowing each vineyard to express itself with even greater clarity. Today, Egly-Ouriet remains one of Champagne's most sought-after growers, producing wines of remarkable depth, precision, and longevity.
Vineyard: Les Vignes de Bisseuil is sourced entirely from a Premier Cru vineyard in the village of Bisseuil, situated at the eastern edge of the Vallée de la Marne near the Montagne de Reims. Unlike Egly's Pinot Noir-dominated Ambonnay wines, this cuvée is Chardonnay-led, typically consisting of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier. The south-facing vineyard sits on classic chalk soils that impart remarkable tension, freshness, and minerality. Chardonnay provides the wine's linear backbone and citrus-driven precision, while the small additions of Pinot Noir and Meunier contribute texture, aromatic complexity, and subtle breadth without overwhelming the site's elegant character.
Winemaking: As with every Egly-Ouriet Champagne, each parcel is fermented separately using indigenous yeasts in traditional French oak barrels. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and remains on its lees for approximately 53 months before disgorgement, developing exceptional texture and complexity while retaining remarkable freshness. Finished as an Extra Brut with approximately 1–2 g/L dosage depending on the disgorgement, Les Vignes de Bisseuil represents one of the most elegant wines in the Egly portfolio. Rather than emphasizing the power often associated with the house, this cuvée showcases precision, chalky minerality, and vibrant energy while maintaining the depth and vinous character that define Egly-Ouriet's style.
Technical Details: Champagne Premier Cru AOC; Non-Vintage Extra Brut; approximately 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier; Premier Cru vineyard in Bisseuil; south-facing chalk soils; indigenous yeast fermentation; barrel fermented and aged; full malolactic fermentation; approximately 53 months sur lie; 1–2 g/L dosage depending on release; approximately 12.5% alcohol.
Food Pairing: Oysters, lobster, Dover sole, turbot, scallops, roast chicken, veal, fresh goat cheese, aged Comté, and delicate shellfish dishes all pair beautifully with Les Vignes de Bisseuil. Aromas of citrus peel, crisp pear, white flowers, brioche, mint, white pepper, and crushed chalk lead into a palate that is simultaneously creamy and laser-focused. The Chardonnay-driven blend gives the wine exceptional finesse and mineral precision, while the extended lees aging adds depth and complexity, making it equally compelling as an aperitif or alongside refined seafood and poultry dishes.

Vins Rare

Egly-Ouriet Champagne 1er Cru "Les Vignes de Bisseuil" Brut (R19)

Name: Egly-Ouriet Champagne 1er Cru "Les Vignes de Bisseuil" Brut (R19)
Brand: Vins Rare
SKU: 102601
Price: 99.00 USD
Availability: InStock