The Renaissance Of Champagne Ayala

Led by a young and dynamic team, Champagne Ayala is innovating and reinventing itself by focusing on the essentials: a pure expression of the best terroirs of Chardonnay, the art of blending and an artisanal approach to winemaking. A brand that always stood out for the freshness and pure character of its wines, famously known for its dryer style. I was immediately charmed by the refined new look of the bottles and the exquisite new wine blends showing Ayala’s unique and thriving signature.

The Story

Nestled in the heart of Champagne’s Grands Crus in the famous village of Aÿ, Ayala is one of the oldest Champagne houses founded by Edmond de Ayala in 1860. It was one of the 18 founding members of the Great Champagne Brands in 1882 and enjoyed a golden age in the 1920s, becoming one of the most exported Champagne in the world. Ayala’s renaissance, after a long commercial pause, began with its acquisition by the Bollinger family in 2005. Today, both estates are managed independently with very distinct philosophies and signatures.

The Renaissance

Drawing on the freshness and elegance of Chardonnay, the relationships developed with producers by Bollinger over time gave Ayala access to some of the best crus of Champagne. A brand-new winery was built in 2007 to meet the high demand of visitors. Several investments are planned, including the installation of a rooftop terrace and the creation of a museum, with the aim of offering world-class wine tourism experiences.

Ayala is also committed to a sustainable approach from vine to glass. Several projects are under development, such as converting the vineyards into organic culture and new green packaging for its Champagne bottles. The full portfolio is now being packaged in Ayala’s signature bottle shape, which was inspired by the famous La Perle bottle launched in 1995. The design represents a more premium style and an updated visual identity for the brand, while also providing the perfect bottle shape for the cellar and longevity of the wines.

The cellar has been run since 2018 by Julian Gout, born in Champagne and coming from a family of winemakers, this young cellar master has a deep commitment to the environment and pursues Ayala’s ambition to cultivate the vineyards organically.

Champagne Ayala production has increased from 600,000 bottles to 1 million in 10 years and in 2022 sales increased by 10%. The wines are exported today in more than 60 countries.

The Wines

CHAMPAGNE AYALA BRUT MAJEUR

Ayala proposes to rediscover the Brut Majeur through a new blend. Multi-vintage and multi-terroirs, this new blend is mostly made of Chardonnay. It went from 45% to 55% and became the majority grape with a wide variety of crus (more than 70 including 50 of Chardonnay) and with an increased proportion of reserve wine with more than 40%.

Tasting notes: A delicate nose of floral and herbaceous aromas. A beautiful silky texture dances on the palate and leaves us with a saline and lemony aftertaste. Very dry with a good structure. The ideal Champagne to start the evening with fresh oysters or fish ceviches.

CHAMPAGNE AYALA ROSÉ MAJEUR

Made exclusively from Pinot Noir Grand Cru added in small proportion.

A blend of 51% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier.

Tasting notes: A fresh and seductive nose with aromas of strawberry, melon and orange peels. On the palate, the bubbles are creamy, worn by a slightly tannic texture. Citrus notes with fresh acidity on the long finish. A well-made and precise rosé that has the structure to accompany a bluefin tuna tataki, a pork fillet, or a spicy lobster bisque.

CHAMPAGNE AYALA, LA PERLE 2013

An exceptional vintage in Champagne, La Perle is composed exclusively of Grands Crus from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, with eight years of aging on lees.

A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir.

Tasting notes: A gourmet nose of hazelnuts, candied yellow fruits and yeasts. An intense, rich and mineral texture on the palate leaving us with savory notes of vanilla and pastries. A powerful and tasty wine that will make a sumptuous pairing with sired foie gras, a wild mushrooms pie or dijonnaise chicken.