We tasted: Egly-Ouriet “Les Vignes de Bisseuil” base 2017

During our recent summer visit to Reims, we’ve made a great choice by selecting the remarkable bottle “Les Vignes de Bisseuil” from Egly-Ouriet (base 2017 deg. July 2022) to accompany our dinner at the renowned Wine Bar by Le Vintage. It proved to be an excellent decision, as this particular cuvée possesses an immense gastronomic potential. In fact, all champagnes from Egly-Ouriet are highly recommended for food pairing due to their extraordinary complexity. Whether it was the “V.P.” cuvée we tried at home in Madrid or the Brut Grand Cru millésime 2013 during a champagne masterclass at the 5th edition of Wine Advocate’s “Matter of Taste” in Zürich, we were equally charmed by the elegance and distinctiveness of this champagne.

We have previously written about Francis Egly and his remarkable philosophy that allows him to achieve the seemingly impossible, connecting deeply with the terroir and showcasing audacious creations. It is no surprise that he is considered the second most reputable grower-producer, following in the footsteps of his early mentor, Anselme Selosse. Francis Egly is renowned for his expertise in crafting exceptional champagnes and is highly respected in the industry for his winemaking skills. He is involved in every step of the champagne production process, from tending the vineyards to overseeing the cellar, ensuring the quality and style of the wines. His unwavering dedication to producing expressive, unique, and terroir-driven champagnes has contributed to the success and reputation of Egly-Ouriet. It is no wonder that a significant portion of their production is destined for high-end restaurants and wine bars.

Now, let’s delve into the details of this outstanding cuvée, “Les Vignes de Bisseuil”. Chardonnay takes the lead here, accounting for 70% of the blend, sourced from a 1.5-hectare plot in the Vallée de la Marne known as Bisseuil. However, Pinot Noir and Meunier also make their presence felt. Surprisingly, the base wine originates from the challenging 2017 vintage, characterized by extreme weather conditions, representing 60% of the blend. The disgorgement took place in July 2022, allowing the wine to evolve on lees for an impressive four years after vinification in barrel (fût de chêne) using indigenous yeasts. To preserve the freshness of the champagne, it remains unfiltered, and malolactic fermentation is avoided.

On the nose, this champagne is charming, offering delicate notes of white flowers, acacia, stone fruits, pear, oranges, and lemon curd. Its balanced palate reveals a vinous character, a pleasing texture, a lovely chalky minerality, and vibrant yet harmonious acidity. The finish is long and refreshing, solidifying its status as an excellent champagne.