Ayala Champagne Brut Majeur

Colour: Light gold, with abundant and fine bubbles.

Nose: Open and expressive. Delicate, unveiling notes of citrus, flowers and white fruits.

Palate: Balanced, combining freshness and vinosity. Precise, fruity and characterised by a long finish.

Founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala, Ayala is one of the most historic houses in Champagne. It was one of the 18 founding members of the Grandes Marques de Champagne syndicate in 1882 and went through a golden age in the 1920s and 1930s, when it was one of the largest 10 houses in Champagne. Known more recently as the sleeping beauty of Champagne, it began its re-ascent to fame when it was purchased by the Bollinger group in 2005.

Based in the village of A, Ayala is known for its a delicate but pleasurable style, large chardonnay component, and low levels of dosage. The sleeping beauty reference is to its jewel-like Art Deco cellars from 1912, consisting of 1.6 miles of chalk tunnels extending 75 feet underground, which provide perfect temperature and humidity. The wines are crafted by Caroline Latrive, one of only 2 female cellar masters in Champagne.

“Ayala Brut Majeur: Top 100 of 2011 Wine Spectator
Ayala has a style marked by low dosage and a focus on Chardonnay. Cellar master Caroline Latrive believes in acidity, producing nervous wines, confident in style. Wine & Spirits Magazine

I really like the style of Ayalas non-vintage wines, which offer up great purity and nascent complexity in a format that will clearly age well. View From The Cellar