Overview of the Wine
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.

Organic.

5 Fascinating Facts About Egly-Ouriet

Winemaker
Francis Egly 

Grape / Blend
33.3% Pinot Noir, 33.3% Chardonnay, and 33.3% Pinot Meunier

Origin
Ambonnay, Champagne, France

Tasting Notes
Pale lemon. Aromas of white flowers and marzipan, white peaches, light herbs. Bright and precise, with peppery notes and citrus zest. Savory, with a mineral finish; long. As an aperitif; with charcuterie or smoked meats/fish; fresh or moderately aged French cheese.

92 Points - Vinous
The NV (2019) Extra Brut Les Prémices is a heady Champagne. Apricot, ginger, pastry, spice and tangerine peel confer an exotic flair, a theme that is ever-present. Rich and generous, with tons of textural presence, the 2019 is striking in its beauty. Dosage is 1 gram per liter. Disgorged: July 2023.

92 Points - Decanter
The most accessible and open-knit of Egly-Ouriet's cuvées, Les Prémices carries an appetising brown bread, honey and spice complexity behind the fragrant, rounded orchard fruit and juicy black plum. A fine introduction to this part of Champagne. One third each of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay from the village of Trigny in the Petite Montagne. (TH)

91 Points - Wine Advocate
Based on the 2019 vintage and disgorged this year with one gram per liter dosage, Egly's NV Brut Les Prémices offers up attractive aromas of orchard and stone fruits mingled with fresh bread and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, fleshy and racy, with bright acids, a pretty mousse and a saline finish, it's the finest rendition of this new cuvée to date. (WK)

91 Points - Wine Independent
Simple and easy to approach, Les Prémices NV presents attractive notes of white peach, apricot and honey. The light-bodied palate offers subtle notes orchard fruit and white flower supported by a soft acid line. Equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this cuvée is based on the 2019 vintage, with reserve wine from the previous two years. Stainless fermented and aged three years on lees, it is finished with a one gram per liter dosage. This cuvée was created in 2016 as a family project to celebrate a new generation of winemaking at the domain. Disgorged July 2023. (SM)

 Product size: 750ml