Egly-Ouriet Brut Tradition Grand Cru

About this wine

Egly-Ouriet's Brut Grand Cru, formerly known as 'Tradition', is a benchmark for grower Champagne. Sourced from prestigious Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay, it typically features a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Francis Egly's meticulous approach—harvesting ripe grapes, fermenting in older oak barrels, and extended lees aging—results in a wine of immense concentration, power, and finesse. It offers a complex profile of honeyed pear, white flowers, toasted nuts, and brioche, balanced by a chiseled, mineral-driven acidity. This is a vinous, age-worthy Champagne that consistently outperforms many prestige cuvées.

Sommelier's Note

"This is an essential experience for any serious collector. It is, without question, the pinnacle of Pinot Noir-based Champagne."

Food Pairings

Pairs exceptionally well with shellfish, lobster, crab, well-aged cheeses, white meats, and refined Asian-inspired dishes.

When to drink it

Ideal for special celebrations, fine dining, or as a meditative drink for serious enthusiasts.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Style

Sparkling

Price Range

¥15,000-25,000

Terroir & Winemaking

70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay from Grand Cru sites in Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in older French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Low dosage (typically 1-3g/L). Extended aging on lees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it taste like?

It features intense notes of ripe pear, toasted nuts, brioche, and citrus oil with a powerful, mineral-driven structure and a long, creamy finish. Far more 'vinous' than typical Champagne.

What should I pair it with?

It pairs perfectly with high-quality seafood, white meats, and umami-rich Japanese dishes like tempura and sashimi. Aged cheeses and lobster are also excellent matches.

When is the best time to drink it?

It is excellent upon release but possesses the structure to age beautifully for another 5-10 years. Allowing it to breathe for 20-30 minutes after opening reveals its full complexity.

What makes this a 'grower Champagne'?

Egly-Ouriet is a Récoltant Manipulant (RM) — a grower who farms, harvests, and produces Champagne entirely from their own Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay. Unlike large houses that blend grapes from many sources, this gives the wine a singular terroir identity.

How should I serve this Champagne?

Serve at 10-12°C (50-54°F) in a large Burgundy-style or tulip glass rather than a narrow flute to best appreciate its complex aromas. A brief 15-30 minute decant can further open up its depth.