Ambonnay red 2024 Egly Ouriet | Champagne

Description: Ambonnay red 2024 | Egly Ouriet

Egly Ouriet ’sAmbonnay Red is one of Champagne’s most exclusive wines. At the helm of the family estate, Francis Egly continues the work of several generations, alongside his children Clémence and Charles. With this still red wine, the house showcases another facet of its expertise and reaffirms its commitment to the Ambonnay terroir.

Terroirs and Grape Varieties

Located on the Montagne de Reims, the villageof Ambonnay holds Grand Cru status and boasts terroirs particularly renowned for Pinot Noir. Its clay-limestone soils, rich in chalk, promote good water and heat regulation—ideal conditions for grape ripening. This cuvée is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes grown on old vines. Deliberately low yields result in concentrated grapes and a beautiful depth of flavor.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Francis Egly cultivates his vineyards using organic farming methods, without the use of insecticides, and favors natural methods such as sexual confusion to protect the plots. The estate’s practices are similar to biodynamic farming, though it does not seek certification. The harvest is entirely manual, with particular attention paid to grape selection.

In the cellar, maceration takes place over a long period at a controlled temperature to gently extract aromas and body. Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 22 months in oak barrels, without filtration or fining, to preserve as much of its character and the expression of the terroir as possible.

Ambonnay red 2024 | Egly Ouriet: The Sommelier’s Review

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin

The Coteaux Champenois remain relatively unknown compared to the sparkling Champagnes that have made the region’s reputation. YetEgly-Ouriet’s Ambonnay showcases the full potential of Champagne’s great red wines. Grown on the chalky terroir of Ambonnay, this 2024 vintage combines beautiful minerality with fine, elegant tannins, in a style that at times recalls certain Burgundy wines. To fully enjoy it, it is recommended to decant it about an hour before serving and to serve it at around 14°C. It also has excellent aging potential, allowing it to gain complexity over the years.

The Nose

The nose reveals aromas of cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, accompanied by delicate notes of rose. A subtle hint of white pepper and cocoa adds a touch of depth. In the background, there is a subtle chalky minerality reminiscent of the Ambonnay terroir.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is supple and round, with a pleasant texture and fine tannins that provide just the right amount of structure. Its freshness balances the whole and adds vibrancy to the tasting experience. The finish is lingering, with notes of red fruit and flowers, and a slight hint of saltiness.

Les Coteaux Champenois: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation

The Coteaux Champenois designation refers to still wines from Champagne, whether red, white, or rosé. They are produced on the same terroirs as Champagnes, using the same grape varieties. For reds, Pinot Noir is the primary grape variety, particularly in the Montagne de Reims. These wines remain rare, as production is limited and climatic conditions do not always allow for grapes to reach full ripeness. They are therefore particularly sought after by connoisseurs.

Egly-Ouriet’s Ambonnay is one of the appellation’s most renowned cuvées. Hailing from the Grand Cru terroir of Ambonnay, it reflects Francis Egly’s meticulous craftsmanship and the character of the village’s chalky soils. Produced in very small quantities, this red Champagne has become a rare and sought-after bottle.