Egly-Ouriet Les Prémices Extra Brut NV offers an inviting introduction to the distinctive style of one of Champagne’s most highly regarded grower-producers. It is produced from a single 3.5-hectare vineyard in Trigny, northwest of Reims, and blends approximately equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Unlike Egly-Ouriet’s more powerful, oak-aged Grand Cru Champagnes, Les Prémices is vinified entirely in stainless steel to preserve freshness, purity and vibrant fruit expression. It spends around three years ageing on its lees and is finished with a very low dosage of approximately 1–2 grams per litre, depending on the disgorgement.

Ripe apple, pear, apricot and citrus peel unfold alongside delicate notes of honeysuckle, freshly baked bread, ginger and pastry. Generous yet energetic on the palate, it combines fine bubbles and bright acidity with a savoury, lightly chalky character, finishing clean, dry and saline. Although positioned as the most accessible cuvée in the Egly-Ouriet range, it retains the concentration, vinous texture and gastronomic depth for which the estate is renowned.

Delicious as an aperitif, Les Prémices is equally versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with oysters, sashimi, seafood tartare, dim sum, tempura, fried calamari, roast chicken and lightly spiced shellfish. Its freshness cuts through fried and richer dishes, while its ripe fruit complements savoury flavours.

Combining Egly-Ouriet’s prestigious craftsmanship with a fresher, earlier-drinking and comparatively accessible style, Les Prémices represents an excellent gateway into one of Champagne’s most sought-after domaines.