Description Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Bussets | Egly-Ouriet
The Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Bussets is a unique cuvée in theEgly-Ouriet lineup. It is the first and only Blanc de Blancs produced by the estate. A rather unexpected choice by Francis Egly, a fourth-generation winemaker based in Ambonnay since the 1940s, where Pinot Noir plays a central role. With this Chardonnay from a single vineyard, he offers another expression of his terroir and showcases a new facet of his expertise.
Terroir and Grape Variety
The Les Bussets plot is located in Verzy, a village classified as a Grand Cru on the Montagne de Reims. The soils are primarily composed of chalk and limestone, with layers of silt and clay on the surface. This terroir imparts a lovely freshness and pronounced minerality to the wine. The vines were planted in 1902. They are therefore over a century old and rank among the oldest in the region. Their age contributes to low yields and gives the grapes excellent concentration. The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay, an uncommon choice in Verzy, where Pinot Noir traditionally dominates.
Viticulture and Winemaking
Francis Egly pays close attention to vineyard management and every stage of winemaking. The grapes are hand-harvested at full ripeness and then ferment naturally in oak barrels using their native yeasts. Depending on the vintage, malolactic fermentation is avoided to preserve the wine’s full freshness. It is then aged for 84 months on its lees—seven years—before disgorgement. This extended aging imparts complexity and depth, while allowing time for the aromas to develop. The dosage is extra-brut, with only 1 g/L of sugar, to preserve the expression of the Chardonnay and the Verzy terroir.
Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Bussets | Egly-Ouriet: The Sommelier’s Review
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin
This champagne holds a special place in theEgly-Ouriet lineup. The estate is best known for its great Pinot Noirs, but with this cuvée, Francis Egly showcases another facet of his work. Made from the 2018 harvest, this Chardonnay spent seven years on the lees, which has given it complexity and balance. This Blanc de Blancs from Verzy showcases the full potential of Chardonnay in the Montagne de Reims, a terroir more commonly associated with Pinot Noir. Serve at around 12°C, taking the time to let it breathe, in fine wine glasses.
The Nose
The nose blends notes of fresh citrus and ripe white fruits, with a hint of candied citrus that adds a touch of indulgence. As it breathes, aromas of brioche and toasted hazelnut emerge, accompanied by a subtle, discreet woody note. A few floral notes add a refreshing touch to the overall profile, while a subtle chalky note evokes the soils of Verzy.
On the palate
On the palate, the champagne is both full-bodied and fresh, with a lively attack of citrus and crisp white fruits. The texture is silky, almost creamy, striking a beautiful balance between the roundness provided by malolactic fermentation and the mineral tension preserved by the low dosage. Barrel aging adds a subtle woody note without masking the fruit’s freshness. The long, briny finish lingers with citrus notes and light toasty nuances.
Champagne Grand Cru: An Appellation at the Very Top
The Champagne Grand Cru appellation encompasses the 17 villages that had earned the maximum score of 100% in the former Champagne classification. Verzy is one of them. Located on the Montagne de Reims, the village has chalk-rich soils that lend the wines structure, freshness, and a lovely minerality. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety here, but Chardonnay can also produce very fine wines on certain terroirs.
The Bussets vineyard is a fine example of this. This Blanc de Blancs expresses the character of the Montagne de Reims, with ample body, pronounced freshness, and chalky notes. After seven years on the lees, it offers a deep profile that is still somewhat reserved, requiring time to reveal its full richness.
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