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Champagne Ayala - Blanc de Blancs 2008
- Producer Champagne Ayala
- Blend 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay
- Country France
- Region Champagne
- UPC 0 15643 41548 7
Wine
Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2008 is 100% Chardonnay from 2 Grand Cru villages on the Cote des Blancs: Chouilly (50%) and Les-Mesnil-su-Oger (40%).
Estate
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 "Grandes Marques de Champagne" 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 "the sleeping beauty of Champagne," it began its reascent to fame when it was purchased the Bollinger group in 2005. Based in the village of Aÿ, Ayala is known for its a delicate but pleasurable style, large chardonnay component, and low levels of dosage. The "sleeping beauty" 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.
Tasting notes
This opens with delicate and refined notes of hawthorne, mirabelle plum, white peach, almond and exotic fruits. The attack is precise, leading to an ample palate, with remarkable volume and a great depth. The white fruit and citrus notes are clean and focused, with a racy, chalky minerality. The
finish is fine and delicate, with rare length and concentration.
Vineyard
Ayala currently owns 35 acres in Champagne. Thanks to its privileged location in the heart of the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims and their link to Bollinger, they also have unique access to top quality grapes.
Vinification
Everything from grape reception to vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. The Blanc des Blancs rests on the lees in the cellar for 6 years after disgorgement, in order to develop complexity, intensity and roundness on the palate.