In the pantheon of grower Champagnes, few names command the reverence of Egly-Ouriet. Hailing from the hallowed Pinot Noir stronghold of Ambonnay, this iconic estate has long been synonymous with opulent, vinous expressions that rival the finest still wines of Burgundy. Yet, in a bold departure from their signature style, Egly-Ouriet introduces Les Vignes de Bisseuil Premier Cru Extra Brut—a non-vintage masterpiece that flips the script with 70% Chardonnay at its helm. For wine enthusiasts seeking purity, precision, and a profound sense of place, this cuvée is nothing short of a revelation.
Nestled adjacent to the Grand Cru village of Ay, the Premier Cru hamlet of Bisseuil offers south-facing slopes bathed in sunlight and underpinned by chalky soils that impart an unmistakable mineral backbone. Egly-Ouriet draws from a modest 1.5-hectare parcel here, farmed organically with vines exceeding 40 years of age. Hand-harvested and handled with minimal intervention, the fruit reflects the estate’s unwavering commitment to terroir. Unfiltered and fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak barrels (just 10% new), this Champagne eschews shortcuts—no malolactic fermentation, allowing the grapes’ natural acidity to shine.
What sets Les Vignes de Bisseuil apart is its rare blend for the house: 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. This Chardonnay dominance crafts a brighter, more elegant counterpoint to Egly-Ouriet’s richer, Pinot-driven icons, delivering a wine that’s both intellectually stimulating and effortlessly drinkable.
Picture this: about 60% of the magic comes from the legendary 2017 vintage—a real rollercoaster year of frost bites and scorching heat that slashed yields but cranked up those intense, concentrated flavors. Then, we blend in 40% reserve wine from the stellar 2016 for that extra dose of maturity and seamless harmony. Boom! You get a non-vintage stunner that sips like a secret vintage champ—vibrant and fresh, yet beautifully evolved.
Egly-Ouriet doesn’t just blend—they elevate with barrels that turn this cuvée into a textural dream and a love letter to the land. Every single lot ferments in oak barrels (mostly seasoned Burgundian pièces, with a cheeky 10% new oak for hints of vanilla and spice). And the kicker? 100% indigenous yeasts straight from their own vines!
Aged 48 months on lees gains depth, creaminess, and a finely textured mousse. Disgorged July 2022 with 3 years of further bottle ageing. With a bone-dry 2 g/L dosage (extra brut) and 12.5% ABV, it emphasizes purity over sweetness, clocking in at a limited production.
Pour this Champagne and watch it gleam in bright silver-straw with a fine, lively mousse that dances in the glass. The nose unfurls a savory tapestry: ripe pear and melon rind mingle with fresh earth, briny salinity, crisp orchard fruit, lemon oil, mint, acacia, and toasted almonds. Underpinning it all is a chalky minerality reminiscent of wet stones and sage—pure Bisseuil terroir in aromatic form.
On the palate, it’s airy yet sculpted, medium- to full-bodied with a vinous, chiseled frame. An enveloping core of tangy lemon, white pepper, tangerine oil, baked apple tart, and subtle Mirabelle plum unfolds with bright acids that provide electric energy and cut. Deceptively light at first sip, it reveals impressive dimension, myriad shades of nuance, and tons of finesse. The finish is long, intensely saline, and mineral-driven, laced with zesty purity and crunchy apple notes. Nervy, super-expressive, and admirably focused, it’s a masterclass in concentration without weight.
This Champagne’s chalky acidity and subtle fruit make it a chameleon at the table. Pair with oysters for a briny harmony; goat cheese to play off its creaminess; roast chicken with all the trimmings where its cut-through richness elevates finesse-driven dishes. It’s a wine that enhances without overwhelming.
In an era of mass-produced fizz, Egly-Ouriet Les Vignes de Bisseuil stands as a beacon of terroir-driven artistry. Chardonnay-led yet unmistakably Egly—vinous, mineral, and alive—this NV grower Champagne challenges conventions and rewards the discerning palate. Secure a bottle while it lasts; with its limited availability and aging potential, it’s destined to become a cult favorite among those who cherish Champagne’s soulful side. Santé to the next great discovery!