READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Egly-Ouriet: Comparing Two Black Grape Varieties
A family-run producer based in Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims. In addition to Les Crayères Pinot Noir, they also produce wines from Meunier grown in Vrigny.
By comparing the Pinot Noir from Les Crayères and the Meunier from Vrigny, we confirm differences in grape varieties and locations.
Questions for this course
Are all Champagnes made only from black grapes Pinot Noir?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
To applied practice using the material ↓
To explanation task notes ↓Egly-Ouriet / Learn from Producers
France / Champagne / Ambonnay
Other names & notations: Egly-Ouriet / エグリ・ウーリエ
Update date: 2026-09-24
The Pinot from Les Crayères
The importer’s dossier describes Les Crayères as 100% Pinot Noir. For Blanc de Noirs, specifying which black grape is used allows for a concrete description of the material.
Meunier of Vrigny
Les Vignes de Vrigny is 100% Meunier. Even among red wines from the same producer, both the grape variety and the site change at the same time. Before attributing all tasting differences between the two wines solely to Pinot and Meunier, be sure to note whether the village and maturation conditions are matched as well.
Extended lees aging
The importer notes that Egly values long aging on the lees. However, you cannot consolidate all bottlings into the same number of months. Check base year, maturation, and disgorgement information for each bottle being compared.
What to align and what to compare.
Les Crayères
- Conditions to standardize
- Egly-Ouriet
- Conditions for comparison.
- Pinot Noir 100%
- Additional points to confirm
- Identifying black grape varieties
Les Vignes de Vrigny
- Conditions to standardize
- Egly-Ouriet
- Conditions for comparison.
- 100% Meunier
- Additional points to confirm
- Variety and village may vary.
Aging
- Conditions to standardize
- Egly-Ouriet
- Conditions for comparison.
- Emphasize lees contact time.
- Additional points to confirm
- Check the conditions for each bottle.
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Egly-Ouriet Source Analysis: Comparing Two Black Grape Varieties
Compare the stated conditions in the documentation. Numbers specifying vintages should be treated as information for that specific year.
This summarizes materials published by producers, regional groups, and importers. Each source includes the publisher and the date the material was checked.
| Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|
| Les Crayères | Pinot Noir 100% | Identifying black grape varieties |
| Les Vignes de Vrigny | 100% Meunier | Variety and village may vary. |
| Aging | Emphasize lees contact time. | Check the conditions for each bottle. |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What is the variety in Les Crayères?
You can confirm in the importer’s grape variety column.
What grape varieties are found in Vrigny?
Black grapes aren’t limited to Pinot Noir.
How do you explain the flavor differences between the two wines?
In making comparisons, also record conditions that vary simultaneously. The two bottles differ not only in grape variety—Pinot Noir and Meunier—but also in source location. Additional differences in ageing period or base year will also affect flavor. Therefore, this cannot be treated as an experiment changing only the grape variety.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Please explain differences in raw materials and winemaking by reading the table and sources.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Crayères | Pinot Noir 100% | Identifying black grape varieties | |
| Les Vignes de Vrigny | 100% Meunier | Variety and village may vary. | |
| Aging | Emphasize lees contact time. | Check the conditions for each bottle. |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Introduce the two labels by their grape varieties and origin, and write the additional criteria to match when tasting them comparatively.
Check after writing
- Did you specify the label, vintage, and scope of materials to be compared?
- Did you distinguish and explain the three items in the table?
- Did you separate verified facts from points to check further with additional references or tasting?
Save response to explanation task
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