Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne – Gift Box

Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur – The True Expression of the Aÿ House Style

Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne is a non-vintage cuvée that encapsulates the technical identity of this historic house based in Aÿ. Characterised by a refined, analytical profile and constant tension, this wine offers an objective interpretation of Champagne’s great terroirs. Its composition is based on a meticulous blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, complemented by a significant proportion of reserve wines to ensure the house’s signature style endures.

Terroir and Expertise

The backbone of Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur is formed by Chardonnay (around 20 per cent), an exceptionally high proportion for a non-vintage brut in this sector, which gives it its structural integrity. Pinot Noir (35 per cent) provides the phenolic structure and body in the mid-palate, whilst Meunier (45 per cent) rounds the blend off with notes of fresh fruit. The grapes are sourced from a selection of over 70 crus, rigorously separated during vinification, reflecting the diversity of the limestone soils of the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Marne Valley.

Vinification takes place exclusively in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve the original purity of the musts and prevent any premature oxidation. To ensure maximum aromatic clarity, malolactic fermentation is carried out in full. Reserve wines, blended in at a rate of 25 to 40 per cent depending on the vintage, stabilise the cuvée’s physico-chemical and flavour characteristics throughout the racking process. After the second fermentation, the bottles undergo extended ageing on the lees for a minimum of three years in the estate’s chalk cellars. The dosage is precisely adjusted in the Brut category (around 6 g/L), ensuring a distinctly dry finish.

Sensory Profile

• Colour: Visual examination reveals a clear, bright, pale gold colour, enlivened by a steady stream of fine, persistent bubbles forming a delicate cord.
• Nose: The nose is immediate and open. It unfolds precise notesof citrus (lemon, yellow grapefruit), white flowers and white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear). Upon aeration, the profile is enriched with subtle hints of fresh almond and frangipane, indicative of skilful ageing on the lees.
• Palate: The attack is characterised by lively tension and remarkable clarity. The mid-palate is balanced, combining the freshness of the Chardonnay with the discreet vinosity of the Pinot Noir. The texture of the mousse is creamy without being heavy. The finish lingers with a distinctive mineral character and a crisp, salty aftertaste.

Serving Advice

To ensure its organoleptic qualities are fully expressed, this white champagne should be served at a stable temperature of between 8°C and 10°C. Its straightforward structure and refined profile make it ideal as an aperitif or for precise gastronomic pairings with seafood. It pairs perfectly with grilled line-caught white fish, raw shellfish (sediment-farmed oysters, sea almonds), a scallop carpaccio or salmon tataki.

Why choose this cuvée?

• Precision winemaking: The exclusive use of stainless steel preserves the fruit’s vibrancy without introducing any external oaky notes.
• The richness of reserve wines: Up to 40 per cent of older wines are blended in to ensure perfect consistency in the wine’s profile.
• Extended ageing: 36 months’ maturation in the cellar, double the legal minimum required by the appellation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the exact blend of Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne?
  This cuvée is a technical blend of approximately 20 per cent Chardonnay, 35 per cent Pinot Noir and 45 per cent Meunier.
• What is the sugar dosage for this white Champagne?
  Brut Majeur is dosed at approximately 6 grams per litre, which places it within the ‘Brut ’ category as defined by regulations, close to ‘Extra Brut’.
• How long does this bottle age in the cellar?
  The wine spends a minimum of 3 years (36 months) on its lees in the house’s cellars before disgorgement.
• What type of vessel is used for winemaking?
  The house uses only temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the mineral freshness.
• Where do the grapes for this cuvée come from?
  The grapes are sourced from a mosaic of over 70 different crus from the major regions of Champagne.
• What is the recommended serving temperature for tasting?
  It is advisable to chill the wine to between 8°C and 10°C to maintain the balance between the acidity and the finesse of the fine bubbles.