Champagne Ayala - Brut Majeur

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Founded in Aÿ in 1860, this house was taken over by its neighbor Bollinger in 2005. This powerful ally provides it with choice supplies—particularly Pinot Noir—from around 100 hectares, with over 90% of its wines classified on the cru scale. The house's fundamentals – excellence, purity, integrity – have been reaffirmed. These are champagnes for connoisseurs, with low dosages and the date of disgorgement specified on each bottle. This confirms the brilliant form of the house, which is certainly among the greats of Champagne, but with prices that remain very accessible, particularly for the excellent brut-majeur.

Decanter

About wine:

Ayala's recent measures to increase the Chardonnay content and freshness of its entry-level cuvée have paid off: it is now a very solid purchase. Sun-kissed yellow stone fruits and succulent clementine evoke a zesty, bright Chardonnay, perfectly complemented by soft, flowing mousse, subtly supported by a certain Pinot Noir structure and a richness of pale, crisp bread. An excellent discovery for lovers of delicacy and finesse, in keeping with the house's great non-vintage wines.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

The house's non-vintage brut is aged for three years in the cellar. Its composition has been slightly modified to further increase the proportion of Chardonnay, which makes up 55% of the blend, with Pinot Noir (30%) and Meunier to complement it. It blends 70 crus. Its dosage is on the verge of extra-brut. Blending four vintages (2019 to 2016), this version seduces with its discreet but indulgent nose of pastry, vanilla, and white fruits, well prolonged by a fresh, powerful, and persistent palate with a slightly vegetal finish.

About the estate:

Established in Aÿ, the Ayala house was founded in 1860 when Raphaël-Edmond-Louis Gonzague de Ayala, son of a Colombian diplomat, met Berthe-Gabrielle d'Albrecht, niece of the Viscount of Mareuil. Owned by Champagne Bollinger since 2005, its cellar master is Caroline Latrive.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About wine:

On the nose, it remains discreet, with notes of lemon zest, honeysuckle, pear, and rose. On the palate, the wine entices us with a refreshing attack, which keeps us on our toes thanks to its chalkiness. Its slightly buttery texture and finish, which plays on the sweetness of nectarine, add complexity. A seductive and pleasant balance that will make your finest aperitifs shine.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

NV Brut Majeur offers a fresh, minty bouquet of lemon oil, pear, white peach, and herbs. Moderately balanced, fresh, and taut, it is incisive with lively acids and a long, ethereal finish. This blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier is a lively and harmonious champagne.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This venerable brand from Aÿ, founded in 1860, has been owned by neighboring Bollinger since February 2005. The brand, led by Hadrien Mouflard and his team, including head oenologist Caroline Latrive, is relaunching itself with a fresher style of champagne, available in low dosage (6 grams/liter) and non-dosage versions, with malolactic fermentation used to round out the edges. Ayala has now clearly found its style, which is very different from that of its parent company, which is more vinous and marked by Pinot Noir.

Wine Enthusiast

James Suckling

About wine:

Intense and elegant nose of strawberries, lemon zest, and pulp with a subtle, brioche-like character. Fine mousse with a long, crisp acidity and plenty of substance on the mid-palate. The body is medium to full, but the finish is cleansing and polished. Drinkable now, but best in 5-6 months, after developing more complexity.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

Champagne Brut Majeur NV has the beautiful fruity and floral profile of the 2020 vintage, with aromas of fresh peach, almond flour, white flowers, and flax. Medium-bodied, it is refreshing and pure, with lively mousse and a clean, stony finish. It is elegant and delicately rounded throughout the tasting, with an elegant freshness. Drink between 2025 and 2035.