Champagne Egly-Ouriet Les Vignes de Vrigny

Champagne Egly-Ouriet Les Vignes de Vrigny: a precise interpretation of Meunier in Premier Cru

Champagne Egly-Ouriet Les Vignes de Vrigny is a cuvée made from a single grape variety, Pinot Meunier, grown on old vines planted in the Vrigny Premier Cru terroir. This origin, located in the Massif de Saint-Thierry sector, brings a distinct signature: a profile generally described as vinous and structured, carried by a regular effervescence and a substance built to evolve over time. The cuvée is part of an approach focused on maturity, ageing time and the legibility of the terroir, with a search for precision rather than immediate effect.

Technical characteristics

• Appellation: Champagne
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Cuvée: Les Vignes de Vrigny
• Producer: Egly-Ouriet (Ambonnay, Champagne)
• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Origin of grapes: Vrigny (Massif de Saint-Thierry)
• Fermentation: indigenous yeasts
• Filtration: unfiltered wine
• Ageing: long ageing on lees before disgorging (36 months)
• Disgorging date: July 2025
• Dosage: Extra-Brut – 2 g/L
• Volume: 750 ml
• Allergens: contains sulphites

Tasting profile

Champagne colour

The colour is generally pale gold to deep gold, with fine to regular effervescence. The bubbles are lively, forming a persistent cordon.

Nose

The nose highlights the influence of Pinot Meunier: orchard fruits (apple, pear), sometimes with hints of riper fruits, followed by notes associated with ageing on lees (bread dough, brioche, almond). The overall impression can evolve towards light honey tones, dried fruits and a chalky/mineral texture.

Palate

On the palate, the cuvée develops a vinous texture, with a full mid-palate and a clear structure. The choice of an Extra-Brut dosage (2 g/L) aims to preserve the aromatic definition and tension, while allowing the texture to express itself. The finish is generally long, with a salty sensation and a persistence of fruit, almond and chalk notes.

Vinification & style: what sets the cuvée apart

Champagne Egly-Ouriet Les Vignes de Vrigny stands out for its clear focus: expressing a Premier Cru terroir through Meunier, a grape variety often associated with more immediate profiles, but here worked with an ambition for ageing. The vinification process favours fermentation with indigenous yeasts, non-filtration and prolonged ageing on lees before disgorging. According to the practices frequently reported around this cuvée, part of the vinification/ageing process may be carried out in wood using previously used barrels, in order to provide structure without affecting the aroma.

Serving and storage advice

• Serving temperature: aim for 10–12°C to preserve the aromatic precision and texture.
• Glass: a tulip-shaped glass or a medium-sized white wine glass will help the bouquet to express itself.
• Aeration: opening the bottle a few minutes before serving can help the ageing and terroir notes to express themselves.
• Storage: store horizontally, away from light, at a stable temperature. The Meunier Premier Cru profile and extended ageing allow for cellar development to seek greater complexity.

Food pairings and serving suggestions

This cuvée can accompany dishes where a vinous structure and a clean finish are desired: firm-fleshed fish, shellfish, poultry, or complex vegetable dishes (mushrooms, squash, moderately creamy preparations). The Extra-Brut style (low dosage) is also suitable for mild soft cheeses, when the aim is to preserve a precise interpretation of the wine.