Ayala Le Blanc de Blanc A/18 2018

Product Description: 

A Singular Expression of Chardonnay Excellence - Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs A/18 2018 is a remarkable Champagne that showcases the essence of Chardonnay with purity, finesse, and exceptional terroir. Crafted exclusively from the finest Grand and Premier Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, this cuvée represents the mastery of Maison Ayala in creating wines that reflect both tradition and modernity. The 2018 vintage, with its bright, fresh acidity and crystalline fruit, is a perfect example of the House’s commitment to Chardonnay, the foundation of their winemaking philosophy.

This elegant and complex Champagne is perfect for pairing with fine, simple cuisine that highlights quality ingredients. Enjoy it as an aperitif, or pair it with seafood dishes like scallop carpaccio, citrussy sea bass tartare, or fresh oysters. The vibrant acidity and minerality also make it a perfect match for creamy cheese or vegetable-based starters.

Maker: 

Champagne Ayala, founded in 1860 by Edmond De Ayala, has a long-standing legacy of producing exceptional Champagne with an unwavering commitment to quality. The House of Ayala is renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in its focus on creating Champagne that highlights the pure expression of Chardonnay. The company’s roots in the village of Aÿ have remained firm, with the iconic founder's bold decision in 1865 to release "dry champagne" with a minimal dosage, setting a new standard for Champagne production. Ayala continues to honour its founder’s vision by offering wines with elegance, finesse, and the signature purity of Chardonnay.

Under the direction of a new generation, particularly since the acquisition by the Bollinger family in 2005, Champagne Ayala has invested heavily in modernising its facilities while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Their meticulous approach involves working with an extensive selection of crus to ensure that each bottle reflects the best of Champagne's diverse terroirs. Today, the House continues to flourish under the leadership of Hadrien Mouflard, who has spearheaded the transformation of Ayala’s identity with a renewed focus on purity and precision.

Philosophy | AYALA:

At Champagne Ayala, the philosophy is built on one key principle: "Honor the essence." This guiding belief sees the House dedicated to revealing the purest expression of Chardonnay, the cornerstone of its winemaking. This commitment drives every decision, from vineyard management to vinification, to the final blending process. The House works with a unique and diverse palette of crus, with 50 of the 70 crus exclusively dedicated to Chardonnay, sourced from the finest terroirs of the Champagne region. Ayala’s philosophy embraces organic principles, with a growing commitment to sustainable practices, including the conversion of its own vineyards to organic viticulture, and the pursuit of environmental certifications such as HEV and VDC.

The production process at Ayala is a masterclass in precision. Each cru undergoes micro-vinification, allowing the individual characteristics of each vineyard to shine before being carefully blended into the final cuvée. The extended aging of their wines on lees, paired with the low dosage, ensures that Ayala’s champagnes embody an exceptional balance of freshness, complexity, and elegance. This purity and focus on terroir have earned Champagne Ayala a reputation for producing wines that are as distinctive as they are exquisite, with a clarity and freshness that stands out in every bottle. Through these practices, Ayala continues to honour the craftsmanship and legacy of its founder, Edmond De Ayala, while paving the way for a bright future.

Tasting Notes:

Nose
Elegant, Fragrant, Citrusy
Aromatic delight, opening with notes of pear, grapefruit, and delicate jasmine, creating a fresh and vibrant bouquet. Subtle hints of acacia honey and a touch of citrus zest enhance the fragrance, providing an inviting and layered profile that draws you in.

Palate
Fresh, Lively, Structured
Vibrant character with lively flavours of blood orange and pastry. The texture is sleek and elegant, with a beautiful minerality. Bright acidity provides structure and balance, giving it an exciting and refreshing finish.

Finish
Long, Crisp, Mineral
Long and crisp, leaving a lasting impression of bright citrus and chalky minerality. The purity of the Chardonnay shines through, with a delicate balance between freshness and complexity that continues to evolve with each sip.

The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%