Champagne Ayala
Rosé Collection N° 14 2014

The Champagne Rosé Collection N°14 is the third "ephemeral" product by Maison Ayala. The Chef de cave, Caroline Latrive, wanted to assemble crus in equal proportions, exclusively from the 2014 vintage, and for the first time in a Rosé version. A blend of 5 Grands Crus from the Côte des Blancs (Choully, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger) and the Montagne de Reims (Aÿ, Verzy), all from the 2014 vintage. The predominant assemblage of this Cuvée Rosé is given by Chardonnay grapes (around 60%) with the addition of Pinot Noir grapes, of which 5% vin rouge d'Aÿ. Thanks to its prolonged ageing - around 6 years - in the Maison's cellars and its low dosage, the Champagne Rosé Collection N°14 is a remarkable expression of Ayala's know-how.

The Champagne Rosé Collection N°14 is characterised at first glance by its brilliant colour with delicate pink-gold hues that reveal a subtle effervescence. To the nose it is fresh and acid, with notes of morello cherry, redcurrant and cherry. Frangipani flowers mingle with the delicacy of mango, lychee and passion fruit. On the palate, the lively and generous attack reveals the unctuousness of vanilla and the freshness of savoury lime. Medium chalky and mineral palate enveloped by warm notes of cocoa and blood orange. A candied ginger finish accompanies a sweet grapefruit bitterness. A firm grip on the palate with length and breadth.

A great Champagne Rosé, a pure and stylistic expression by Ayala, produced in a very limited quantity, of only 7,235 bottles.

Champagne Ayala

The Maison was founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala, travelling from Colombia to Champagne, more precisely to Aÿ. The Ayala brand was registered at the Reims Chamber of Commerce on the 5th November 1875. The Maison Ayala is a family business and a rare independent maison in the Champagne region. In 1969, when René Chayoux passe away, Jean-Michel Ducellier supported the widow for 10 years, then obtained the exclusive direction of the maison. He remained in charge till 1995 and will always be remembered as the one who favoured the general interest over his own. In 2000 the Champagne financial group, animated by Jean-Jacques Frey, bought the maison from Alain Ducellier, Jean-Michel's son. Thierry Budin, former president of Perrier-Jouet tried for over 4 year to reorganize the maison on new bases. On 31st January 2005, the Family Group Jacques Bollinger, attracted by the quality of its wines, bought Maison Ayala. The Bollinger Group wants to give the Maison Ayala its prestigious aura back. Hervé Augustin, imortant champenoise, with experience in Maison Laurent-Perrier, Castellane and Bollinger, is now managing the company. For 25 years the quality of Ayala wines has been Nicolas Klym's obsession - its Chef de Cave. Located in Aÿ, in the heart of Champagne, Ayala has remained a valuable jewel. With a property of over 80 hectares, Ayala is on of the few maisons in the Champagne region to cover its entire grape needs and this ensures its quality, uniformity and typical characteristics. Its production is limited and its staff loyalty is almost unique.