Wine Review Online contributor Rebecca Murphy wrote a really great piece highlighting the history of Champagne Ayala and its current resurgence, under the dynamic leadership of General Manager Hadrien Mouflard and the immensely talented Chef de Cave Caroline Latrive.
The piece clearly explains that Chardonnay takes center stage at Ayala, and adds that Chardonnay is Latrive’s favorite grape. Murphy adds, “she is particularly pleased with the 2013 Le Blanc de Blancs that she describes as the essence of Chardonnay.” This prestige wine benefits from six years of age on lees, which “add complexity and creaminess.” Continuing, “a brilliant, pale golden color suggests exciting things to come like the fine threads of minute bubbles, then the ethereal aromas of citrus, apple blossoms and almonds. Flavors of citrus, freshly baked brioche and red apples mingle with the gentle mousse intensified by incisive acidity. It is somewhat difficult to describe individual elements of this wine because they are so intertwined and harmonious.”
In addition to the Blanc de Blancs (94 points), Murphy also highlights Ayala’s flagship wine Brut Majeur NV (90 points), which embodies the House’s fresh, elegant style. As an extension, she adds Rosé Majeur NV (92 points) “is a versatile wine that is quite satisfying as an aperitif, enjoyed at lunch with a pasta salad or at the dinner table with grilled salmon.”
It is worth reading the full reviews of all three of these wines HERE and the detailed write up that speaks to Ayala’s rich heritage and its new energy HERE
Related Wines
Champagne Ayala
Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs 2013
Champagne, France
Ayala’s Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay, produced in small quantities in exceptional years only, fully expresses the superb caliber of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After 6 years of aging in Ayala’s cellars, remarkable minerality and low dosage make this an outstanding wine.
Champagne Ayala
Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur NV
Champagne, France
Brut Majeur is the epitome of a non-vintage brut from a great, historic House and is the finest ambassador for the House’s freshness and elegance. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, coupled with extended aging in Ayala’s cellars and a low dosage, make this wine suitable for any occasion.
Champagne Ayala
Champagne Ayala Rosé Majeur NV
Champagne, France
Rosé Majeur is the perfect embodiment of the originality and finesse of the House’s wines. Made predominantly from Chardonnay, it is crafted with the addition of a small proportion of still Pinot Noir from the best crus of the Montagne de Reims. A low dosage enables it to express the House style, both feminine and generous, with great elegance.
Related Producers
Champagne Ayala
Champagne, France
Ayala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today, almost the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. Independently owned, a small, young and dynamic team handles every step of production from grape reception to labeling in their jewel of a facility with incredible precision, crafting Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense pleasure, freshness, and elegance.
