Champagne Ayala - Rose MajeurNV
ROSE SPARKLING
-
Producer
Champagne Ayala
-
Blend
51% Chardonnay
4% Pinot Meunier
45% Pinot Noir
-
Country
France
-
Region
Champagne
-
UPC
0 15643 78020 2
Reviews
Vinous Media 90
Bright orange-pink. Aromas of fresh red berries, white pepper and rose oil, with a zesty mineral topnote. Juicy, focused, refreshingly bitter raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by a hint of buttered toast. Closes dry and stony, with very good persistence.
by JR, Vinous Media , 2013
Wine Spirits 92
A lovely fresh pinot noir, this is focused on the herbal, spicy imprint of the soil. Its red berry scents and pink peppercorn spice frame the earthiness, while nervous acidity brightens the flavors and carries them through a long finish. Serve it with thinly sliced magret de canard, seared rare.
by , Wine Spirits , 2013
Wine Enthusiast 91
Onion skin veering to pink color for this stylishly presented wine from Ayala, now owned by Bollinger. It has some fresh raspberry fruits, but goes further with its seriously crisp, dry acidity and delicate, elegant balance with structure and mature flavors.
by RV, Wine Enthusiast , 2007
Washington Post ★★★
This beautiful blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier makes a delightful rose, crisp and refreshing with loads of fruit and champagne intensity.
by DM, Washington Post , 2013
Wine Spectator 90
Aromatic notes of fresh basil, spice and citrus zest accent the juicy white cherry and biscuit flavors of this fresh rosé Champagne. The firm, focusing acidity is well-meshed to the fine mousse and flavor range.
by AN, Wine Spectator , 2018
Technical Details
Blend
Brut Rose Majeur is a blend of Chardonnay (51%), Pinot Noir (40%) and Pinot Meunier (9%). The very high proportion of Chardonnay and the ageing process result in a Champagne with remarkable finesse and elegance.
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 Ay, 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.
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. Brut Rosé Majeur is fermented in stainless steel, with a focus on freshness and precision. It spends 2.5 years on the lees and rests in the cellar for at least 3 months after disgorgement.