What is this wine?
Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes “Les Crayères” NV is a rare, single-vineyard Champagne made entirely from old-vine Pinot Noir in Ambonnay, one of the Montagne de Reims’ greatest Grand Cru villages. The fruit comes from vines planted between 1946 and 1947 in the chalk-rich “Les Crayères” parcel. Francis Egly, one of Champagne’s most respected grower-producers, ferments all base wines in oak barrels with native yeasts, allowing full malolactic fermentation and long lees aging (often 70+ months) before disgorgement. The cuvée is bottled as Extra Brut, with minimal dosage to preserve its intensity and terroir expression.
Why get this wine?
“Les Crayères” is one of the most sought-after grower Champagnes in existence — a monumental Blanc de Noirs that rivals top prestige cuvées from the grandes maisons. Its power, depth, and minerality show why Egly-Ouriet is considered a benchmark for artisanal Champagne. Profound yet precise, it’s a wine for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
What does this wine taste like?
Intense and layered, with aromas of red currant, brioche, roasted hazelnut, and chalk. The palate is rich yet taut, with remarkable depth, fine mousse, and a long, saline, mineral-driven finish.
When should you drink this wine?
Drink now through 2040. Serve cool, not cold. Ideal for celebratory meals — pair with lobster, roast poultry, or caviar. Decanting briefly can open its full aromatic complexity.
