Ayala Blanc De Blancs Ayala, 2018

Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2018 is a pure, crystalline expression of Chardonnay from one of Champagne’s most historic houses. Sourced primarily from top Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, this vintage cuvée showcases the finesse, tension, and chalky elegance that define great blanc de blancs. The 2018 vintage, generous yet finely structured, gives this wine both immediate charm and the potential to age beautifully.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2018 shines a pale, luminous straw with subtle green reflections and a fine, persistent bead of bubbles. The nose is refined and precise, opening with notes of lemon zest, white flowers, crisp green apple, and chalky minerality, followed by hints of brioche, fresh almonds, and a touch of stone fruit as it unfolds in the glass. On the palate, this Champagne is driven by vibrant acidity and a sleek, linear profile. Expect flavors of citrus (lemon and grapefruit), white peach, and pear, layered over a backbone of cool, saline minerality and delicate pastry notes from extended lees aging. The texture is both silky and taut, with a long, mouthwatering finish that leaves impressions of chalk, citrus peel, and subtle toasted notes. While it is already highly enjoyable now, the 2018 Blanc de Blancs has the structure and freshness to evolve gracefully for 8–12 years from vintage, gaining more complexity and creaminess with time.

Production
Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2018 is crafted from 100% Chardonnay sourced predominantly from the chalk-rich slopes of the Côte des Blancs—villages such as Chouilly, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, known for their purity, tension, and finesse. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure careful selection of only the healthiest and ripest bunches, preserving the delicate character of Chardonnay. Vinification is carried out in stainless steel to protect freshness and aromatic clarity, with a focus on low dosage to highlight terroir rather than sweetness. The wine then rests on its lees for several years in Ayala’s cool, deep cellars in Aÿ, allowing the mousse to refine and the aromas to gain complexity before disgorgement.

Food & Serving
This Champagne is a natural match for refined, delicate dishes. Pair it with oysters, caviar, sashimi, or a classic plateau de fruits de mer to echo its saline, mineral edge, or serve alongside scallop carpaccio, ceviche, or turbot with beurre blanc for a more gastronomic experience. It also pairs beautifully with fine cheeses such as young goat cheese, Comté, or a mild Brie. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F). Decanting is not necessary, but opening the bottle 10–15 minutes before serving and pouring into proper tulip-shaped Champagne glasses will allow the wine to fully express its aromatics and texture.

Producer
Founded in 1860 in the grand cru village of Aÿ, Ayala is one of the historic names of Champagne and is today part of the same family as Champagne Bollinger. Known as a pioneer of drier Champagne styles, Ayala has long championed precision, purity, and low dosage, emphasizing terroir expression over opulence. The house has earned a reputation for its elegantly structured wines, particularly its Chardonnay-driven cuvées like the Blanc de Blancs, which highlight Champagne’s chalky soils and cool climate. With a strong presence in top restaurants and wine circles, Ayala stands as a benchmark for refined, gastronomic Champagne from the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs terroirs.