A beloved champagne among connoisseurs, from the renowned Ayala champagne house. Ayala has a remarkable history. It was founded in 1860 by a Colombian diplomat who received the vineyards as a dowry. Over the years, the champagne house has enjoyed mixed success. During the economic downturn, Ayala was almost completely destroyed. However, she worked hard, and Ayala has been back at the top for several decades now.
The vineyards of Ayala
Ayala is located in the village of Ay, a village of only 4,000 inhabitants. It lies in the heart of the Champagne region, near Reims and the world-famous city of Epernay. The vineyards surrounding Ay are classified as Grand Cru, meaning they are among the finest vineyards in all of Champagne. For Ayala Blanc de Blancs Champagne, as the name suggests, only the Chardonnay grape is used, the only white grape permitted in Champagne. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested by hand, as is required by law for Champagne. The champagne matures for an impressive six years in the impressive cellars of Ayala Champagne. This lengthy aging process results in a highly complex yet flavorful champagne.
Impressions of Ayala Blanc de Blancs
This Champagne comes in a box. Not just for appearance's sake, but also out of sheer necessity. Because Ayala Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made exclusively from white grapes, it is a very delicate product. It does not tolerate (sun)light very well. Therefore, it is essential to store this beautiful Champagne in its box until it can truly be enjoyed. The aroma of this Blanc de Blancs is more intense and expressive. Ripe citrus greets your nose. A hint of honey and dried fruit creates an appealing aroma. The taste is fuller and more robust than Ayala's "regular" champagne. A slightly creamy character, with the characteristic flavors of a sublime Champagne. The finish alternates robust nuances with fresh notes beautifully.