Wines Champagne Ayala - Wine Gallery Brut

Viniou Reviews

Ayala Champagne Brut, a non-vintage cuvée, epitomises the refined tradition of the Maison Ayala, situated in the heart of the Champagne region in Aÿ. This lively sparkling wine is a blend, typically integrating all three key Champagne grape varieties: Pinot Noir for structure, Chardonnay for elegance and freshness, and Pinot Meunier for fruit and approachability. The non-vintage nature ensures a consistent house style across years, with reserve wines providing depth and complexity. The vinification is classic for Champagne, involving a secondary fermentation in bottle, which imparts the delicate mousse and persistent bubbles that define its effervescence. The dosage for this brut remains moderate, allowing the cuvée’s purity, minerality and finesse to shine.

Champagne, celebrated the world over, benefits from a unique terroir shaped by its cool, northern climate and distinctive chalky soils. These soils, rich in minerals and excellent for drainage, bring remarkable finesse and vibrancy to the wines. The region’s long-standing viticultural heritage, dating back to Roman times and perfected by generations of skilled producers, ensures each bottle reflects both place and tradition. Maison Ayala, founded in 1860, is known for its dry and elegant style, often with a high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, emphasising crispness and aromatic clarity.

Ayala Brut complements a wide range of dishes, offering the freshness and acidity to lift seafood such as oysters, scallop carpaccio or king prawns. It shines with classic dishes of the region, including gougères (cheese puffs) or delicate fish terrines. Its lively, dry palate also works beautifully with ethereal sushi or even light poultry preparations like roast chicken with lemon and herbs. For a local touch, pair it with Chaource or Langres cheeses from the Champagne area.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Champagne well chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Use a tulip-shaped glass rather than a flute to allow the aromas to develop fully and take the time to appreciate its finesse and persistent bubbles. Adequate chilling will highlight both the freshness and subtle complexities of this beautifully crafted sparkling wine.