One of the original grand marques, Ayala was founded in 1860 by Spanish aristocrat Edmond d’Ayala. Owned by Bollinger since 2005, Ayala is often described as ‘feminine’ in style. This is due to a higher percentage of Chardonnay in the blends; the purity that low dosage brings and fermentation in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and pristine characters. Ayala has an enviable supply of Grand and Premier Cru fruit with an extremely high rating on the échelle des crus. Interestingly, Ayala’s haute couture dry blends are crafted by one of the few female cellar masters in Champagne, Caroline Latrive.

Ayala and Bollinger are two of the most notable producers in the village of Aÿ, in the heart of the Valle de Marne, and since 2005 they’ve been inextricably linked under the same ownership. But their friendship goes back even further. Ayala’s tale is one of riots and war and golden times, and it’s a great foray into Champenoise history.

Complex, fresh, layered and classic, a fascinating bouquet with layers of sweet citrus and a deep centered autolysis, white strawberry and white fleshed stone fruits. A delicious wine on the palate with fine a mousse texture, a whisper of white spice and white stone fruits. The acid line is perfect carrying flavours and highlighting the complexities of autolysis. Delicious and lengthy with best drinking from day of purchase through 2032. Outstanding value! Rating: 96 Points; Cam Douglas MS

A layered wine with spicy, almost stony, minerality. Salted lemons and oranges. Crisp on the palate with light to medium body and flavors of strawberries and restrained pastry. Chalky mineral aftertaste. Dosage 6 g/L. Disgorged November 2024. Drink or hold.  Rating: 94 Points; James Suckling