Ayala 2015 Blanc de Blanc

Founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala, Ayala is one of the most historic houses in Champagne. It was one of the 18 founding members of the \u201cGrandes Marques de Champagne\u201d syndicate in 1882 and went through a golden age in the 1920s and 1930s, when it was one of the largest 10 houses in Champagne. Known more recently as \u201cthe sleeping beauty of Champagne,\u201d it began its re-ascent to fame when it was purchased by the Bollinger group in 2005.Based in the village of A\xff, Ayala is known for its a delicate but pleasurable style, large chardonnay component, and low levels of dosage. The \u201csleeping beauty\u201d reference is to its jewel-like Art Deco cellars from 1912, consisting of 1.6 miles of chalk tunnels extending 75 feet underground, which provide perfect temperature and humidity. The wines are crafted by Caroline Latrive, one of only 2 female cellar masters in Champagne. Ayala Brut Majeur: Top 100 of 2011\u201d Wine Spectator\u201cAyala has a style marked by low dosage and a focus on Chardonnay. Cellar master Caroline Latrive believes in acidity, producing nervous wines, confident in style.\u201d Wine & Spirits Magazine\u201cI really like the style of Ayala\u2019s non-vintage wines, which offer up great purity and nascent complexity in a format that will clearly age well.\u201d View From The Cellar

Alcohol percentage: 12

Tasting Notes

Right from the start, this wine is striking, yet voluptuous and vibrant, showing a silky texture with a lively edge, and \ufb01nishing with a balanced bittersweet \ufb02avor. It releases notes of passion fruits, citrus fruit, ripe white fruit such as vine peaches, and subtle notes of acacia honey that bring a velvety sensation. The long \ufb01nish is tightly wound on the pure line of characteristic chalky minerality for which the C\xf4te des Blancs is famous.