Egly-Ouriet "V.P. Grand Cru Extra Brut" Champagne, France NV

FROM SKURNIK WINES:

THE WINE: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay from 90% Ambonnay Grand Cru, 10% Bouzy Grand Cru and Verzenay Grand Cru. Indigenous yeast. Fermented and aged in barrel (10% new). Aged 84 months on the lees. Dosage: 3g/L, unfined and unfiltered.

THE PRODUCER: Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family to make wines from their exceptionally located, old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay (home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir that can be found in all of Champagne), where he is considered the finest grower. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent and commitment to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. He began using organic methods in the vineyards, with regular ploughing, and reduced yields. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvée). Francis believes deeply that complexity and structure comes not only from perfect fruit, but also from extended lees aging. This belief is felt throughout his lineup, with most of his wines undergoing a minimum of 48 months on the lees with some cuvees being aged for 100+ months. All of this meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar has led to his standing by both his peers, critics and Champagne lovers across the world as one of the greatest growers in all of France.