Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2004
Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is a magical name for all Chardonnay lovers. The Ayala Blanc de Blancs Vintage is a blend of three Grand Crus from the Côte des Blancs in which Le Mesnil-sur-Oger has the largest proportion, completed with wines from Cramant and Chouilly.
Pale gold in colour with a lovely youthful glint, its mousse is superb and displays very fine and distinguished necklaces of bubbles. The nose is intense and expressive with notes of ripe citrus fruits, honey, dried fruit, and a very subtle touch of toast.
The palate is extremely generous, structured and perfectly balanced despite the wine’s relative youth, leading to a long, fresh and very pleasant finish. A very light and elegant cuvee which beautifully associates intense character and delicacy.
Grape Variety:
Ayala Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively with Grands Crus Chardonnays (rated 100% on the “échelle des crus” scale).
Technical Characteristics:
Dosage - 7.50 g/l
Ageing:
The wine is aged 6 years in cellars before disgorgement in order to develop complexity, intensity and roundness.
Pairing with food:
Very seductive as an aperitif, it is equally divine with St Jacques scallops, or a braised turbot with truffles or even with a crunchy dessert with aniseed pears. Ayala Blanc de Blancs is a wonderful delight for wine lovers.
History:
One of the original 26 Grand Marque Champagne Houses, Ayala has had a noble history since its inception in 1860 when Edmond de Ayala received the magnificent Chateau as the dowry for his wedding. Located in Aÿ, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims vineyards, Ayala naturally focuses on Grand Cru Pinot Noir for its Brut Majeur and its Vintage Brut. Ayala is a "small" house, the artisan of champagne-making.
Review:
“Champagne and caviar is a classic match and bubbles also happen to be fine with oysters. Do look to something that is poised and mineral rather than rich. Ayala’s Brut Majeur will give you pleasure on its own, while allowing the quality of your caviar and oysters to shine.”
Hamish Anderson, Daily Telegraph, 14 February 2009 (commenting on the 2002 vintage)
