Champagne Ayala, founded in 1860, stands as a testament to the vision of its founder and the dedication of generations who have maintained its commitment to quality and innovation. The story of Champagne Ayala begins with Edmond de Ayala, a man whose name seemed destined for the world of Champagne. Born into a Spanish-Basque aristocratic family, Edmond arrived in Aÿ in 1855 with a burning desire to unravel the secrets of champagne-making. His charm and entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of Gabrielle, the only daughter of the Count of Mareuil, whom he married in 1858. As a wedding dowry, Edmond received the Château d'Aÿ and its vineyards, laying the foundation for what would become Champagne Ayala.
In 2005, a new chapter began for Ayala when it was acquired by the Bollinger family. This acquisition brought renewed focus and investment to the house, including the construction of a new winery in 2007. Under the leadership of new Managing Director Hadrien Mouflard and Cellar Master Caroline Latrive, Ayala began to reaffirm its identity and style.
🏅 James Suckling 92 pts
Very clean and bright with transparency of sliced lemon, pear and chalk. Medium to full body with a very creamy texture and a bright, vivid finish. Comes off dry. Three years on the lees. 55% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. A blend of 2016-2019. 6 g/l dosage. Drink or hold.
🏅 Jeb Dunnuck 91 pts
The NV Brut Majeur comes from an estate just beside Bollinger and is a 40/40 split of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with the balance Pinot Meunier. Aged 30 months on lees with 7 grams of dosage, it has a crisp, focused, even chiseled style to go with lovely notes of citrus, lemon curd, and white flowers. Drink this vibrant beauty over the coming 5-6 years.
🏅 Decanter 90 pts
Ayala's Brut Majeur has undergone reinvention with the 2019 base, now boasting more Chardonnay than any other NV from the major houses. The style is delicate and snappy with yellow apple, lime and sweet pear fruit, subtly backed up by a touch of creaminess. Care and precision, representing fine value. 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Meunier. Based on 2019 with 43% reserve wines from 2018, 2017 and 2016.
🏅 Vinous 90 pts
Light yellow. Lively, sharply focused lemon and green apple aromas pick up deeper melon and peach qualities with air. Spicy and precise on the palate, offering juicy citrus fruit and honeysuckle flavors and a touch of candied fig. Powerful yet lively, finishing with strong punch and building mineral and floral qualities. This suave Champagne has the heft to handle rich foods and the tension to work by itself.
🏅 Jancis Robinson 17 pts
Mid straw. Lots of lemony interest – reminds me of Chas Heidsieck. Dense and meaty. A connoisseur’s champagne with some perceptible age on it though it is not heavy.
