Champagne Ayala - Brut Majeur

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Founded in Aÿ in 1860, this house was acquired by its neighbor Bollinger in 2005. This powerful ally provides it with premium grapes—particularly Pinot Noir—from approximately 100 hectares, with over 90% of the vineyards classified on the cru scale. The house’s core values—excellence, purity, integrity—have been reaffirmed. These are champagnes for connoisseurs, focused on low dosage, with the date of disgorgement specified on each bottle. A confirmation of the house’s brilliant form, which certainly ranks among the greats of Champagne, yet with prices that remain very accessible, particularly for the excellent Brut-Majeur.

Decanter

About wine:

Ayala's recent efforts to increase the Chardonnay content and enhance the freshness of its entry-level cuvée have paid off: it is now a very solid buy. Sun-kissed yellow stone fruits and succulent clementine evoke a zesty, brilliant Chardonnay, perfectly complemented by a soft, fluid mousse, subtly underpinned by a touch of Pinot Noir structure and the richness of pale, crisp bread. An excellent find for lovers of delicacy and finesse, continuing the tradition of the house’s great non-vintage wines.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

The house’s signature non-vintage brut is aged for three years in the cellar. Its blend has been slightly modified to further increase the proportion of Chardonnay, which now makes up 55% of the blend, complemented by Pinot Noir (30%) and Meunier. It is a blend of 70 crus. Its dosage is on the borderline of extra-brut. Blending four vintages (2019 through 2016), this version captivates with its subtle yet rich nose, featuring notes of pastry, vanilla, and white fruits, followed by a fresh, powerful, and persistent palate with a slightly vegetal finish.

About the estate:

Based in Aÿ, the Ayala house was founded in 1860 following the marriage of Raphaël-Edmond-Louis Gonzague de Ayala, the son of a Colombian diplomat, and Berthe-Gabrielle d'Albrecht, the niece of the Viscount de 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 subtle, yet reveals notes of lemon zest, honeysuckle, pear, and rose. On the palate, the wine entices with a refreshing attack that keeps the palate engaged thanks to its chalky character. Its slightly buttery texture and finish, which highlights the sweetness of nectarine, add complexity. A seductive and pleasant balance that will make your finest aperitifs shine.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

The NV Brut Majeur offers a fresh, minty bouquet of lemon zest, pear, white peach, and herbs. Moderately full-bodied, fresh, and taut, it is crisp with lively acidity 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 Aÿ-based brand, founded in 1860, has been owned by its neighbor Bollinger since February 2005. The brand, led by Hadrien Mouflard and his team—including head oenologist and cellar master Caroline Latrive—is relaunching itself with a fresher style of champagne, available in low dosage (6 grams per liter) and non-dosage versions, with malolactic fermentation helping to round out the edges. Ayala has now clearly found its own style, very different from the more vinous, Pinot Noir-driven style of its parent house.

Wine Enthusiast

James Suckling

About wine:

An intense and elegant nose of strawberries, lemon zest, and fruit pulp, with subtle brioche notes. A 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 clean and polished. Enjoyable now, but will be at its best in 5–6 months, once it has developed more complexity.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

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