“Here’s a récoltant-manipulant who has progressed in the past 10 years to the point of achieving cult status, besieged by fans around the world and frequently envied by less-hardworking winemakers.”
—Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France
Winemaker Francis Egly sits at the top of the small grower Champagne elite, with his estate located in the heart of the Côte de Noirs, surrounded by 100% grand cru Pinot Noir vineyards.
Part of what makes Egly so special is the lands on which his grapes flourish. Egly owns vines in Bouzy, Verzenay and in the heart of Ambonnay--"Les Crayeres," "Les Secs," "Les Feucheres" and "Les Beurys." These perfect, south-facing vines are on average 40 years old (ancient for Champagne vines) and are vinified separately, to preserve as much individual character as possible.
There are so many reasons the "cult" of Egly is now a worldwide phenomenon. Consider the "Les Vignes De Vrigny," a 100% Pinot Meunier with virtually no dosage from 40+ year old vines from the village of Vrigny. Or perhaps the grand cru "Vieillissment Prolongé," a wine that spends more than 70 months on its lees. Few Champagne houses can match the quality and originality of Egly wines.
Egly's non-vintage Brut Tradition is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, and often blends four different vintages. He also bottles a still Pinot Noir wine, called Ambonnay rouge, but just 200 cases per year. He has produced a red every vintage since 1990. During the 1995 and 1996 vintages, Egly vinified his Ambonnay rouge with the guidance of Dominique Laurent.
These are wines that are both hard to find and if once found, difficult
to hold on to long. We cherish the limited amount of wine we're able to
import each year--if you want to taste the best in grower Champagne,
look no further.