Product Overview
Importer's Notes
"Ayala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today — the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. Independently owned, a small, young and dynamic team handles every step of production from grape reception to labeling in their jewel of a facility with incredible precision, crafting Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense pleasure, freshness and elegance.
The House has been long-known as the “sleeping beauty of Champagne” because of its prominence in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century, and its beautifully preserved Art Deco cellars dating to 1912. Ayala 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, rising to prominence as one of the most exported Maisons in Champagne — the drink of choice in bohemian Paris and London. Ayala’s re-ascent after a long quiet period began when it was acquired by the Bollinger family in 2005. Today, it is important to note that both estates are run independently, with equally independent philosophies.
Brut Majeur is the epitome of a non-vintage brut from a great, historic House and is the finest ambassador for Ayala's fresh, elegant style. Brut Majeur has the highest proportion of Chardonnay of all the traditional Champagne houses."
Varietal Composition: 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Reserve Wines: 43% reserve wines ranging from 5-10 years old
Aging: 36 months on lees in the bottle
Dosage: 6 g/L
90 Points - Wine Spectator
"A hint of marzipan on the nose underscores the palate's flavors of persimmon, ripe green apple, plum skin and preserved lemon in this bright, well-spiced Champagne, with a lively mousse. Lightly chalky on the clean-cut, lingering finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged January 2023. Drink now. 3,475 cases imported." -AN, 11/30/24
90 Points - Wine Advocate
"Based on the 2020 vintage, complemented with 42% of réserve wines from 2016 to 2019, the NV Brut Majeur offers up a fresh, minty bouquet of lemon oil, pear, white peach and herbs. Moderately weighted, fresh and tense, it's incisive with bright acids and long, ethereal finish. This blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier is a lively, harmonious Champagne." -YC, 10/24/24
89 Points - Vinous
"The NV Brut Majeur is a tasty non-vintage offering. Pear, lemon confit, kirsch, spice and exotic floral notes fill out the layers nicely. Medium in body and persistent, the Brut Majeur has a lot to offer. This is the best version of Brut Majeur I have tasted in a very long time. The blend is 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier, with 43% reserve wines. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 2022." -AG, Mar/2024
89 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"The nonvintage Champagne from this producer remains firmly in the dry style of Brut. It is crisp with apple and ripe citrus flavors dominating. That gives a wine that will age further in bottle. Drink this bottling from 2024." -RV, 12/1/23
