Ayala Le Blanc de Blanc A/18
Product Description: This elegant and complex Champagne is perfect for pairing with fine, simple cuisine that highlights quality ingredients. Enjoy it as an aperitif, or pair it with seafood dishes like scallop carpaccio, citrussy sea bass tartare, or fresh oysters. The vibrant acidity and minerality also make it a perfect match for creamy cheese or vegetable-based starters. Maker: Champagne Ayala, founded in 1860 by Edmond De Ayala, has a long-standing legacy of producing exceptional Champagne with an unwavering commitment to quality. The House of Ayala is renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in its focus on creating Champagne that highlights the pure expression of Chardonnay. The company’s roots in the village of Aÿ have remained firm, with the iconic founder's bold decision in 1865 to release "dry champagne" with a minimal dosage, setting a new standard for Champagne production. Ayala continues to honour its founder’s vision by offering wines with elegance, finesse, and the signature purity of Chardonnay. Under the direction of a new generation, particularly since the acquisition by the Bollinger family in 2005, Champagne Ayala has invested heavily in modernising its facilities while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Their meticulous approach involves working with an extensive selection of crus to ensure that each bottle reflects the best of Champagne's diverse terroirs. Today, the House continues to flourish under the leadership of Hadrien Mouflard, who has spearheaded the transformation of Ayala’s identity with a renewed focus on purity and precision. Philosophy | AYALA: At Champagne Ayala, the philosophy is built on one key principle: "Honor the essence." This guiding belief sees the House dedicated to revealing the purest expression of Chardonnay, the cornerstone of its winemaking. This commitment drives every decision, from vineyard management to vinification, to the final blending process. The House works with a unique and diverse palette of crus, with 50 of the 70 crus exclusively dedicated to Chardonnay, sourced from the finest terroirs of the Champagne region. Ayala’s philosophy embraces organic principles, with a growing commitment to sustainable practices, including the conversion of its own vineyards to organic viticulture, and the pursuit of environmental certifications such as HEV and VDC. The production process at Ayala is a masterclass in precision. Each cru undergoes micro-vinification, allowing the individual characteristics of each vineyard to shine before being carefully blended into the final cuvée. The extended aging of their wines on lees, paired with the low dosage, ensures that Ayala’s champagnes embody an exceptional balance of freshness, complexity, and elegance. This purity and focus on terroir have earned Champagne Ayala a reputation for producing wines that are as distinctive as they are exquisite, with a clarity and freshness that stands out in every bottle. Through these practices, Ayala continues to honour the craftsmanship and legacy of its founder, Edmond De Ayala, while paving the way for a bright future. Tasting Notes: Nose Elegant, Fragrant, Citrusy Aromatic delight, opening with notes of pear, grapefruit, and delicate jasmine, creating a fresh and vibrant bouquet. Subtle hints of acacia honey and a touch of citrus zest enhance the fragrance, providing an inviting and layered profile that draws you in. Palate Fresh, Lively, Structured Vibrant character with lively flavours of blood orange and pastry. The texture is sleek and elegant, with a beautiful minerality. Bright acidity provides structure and balance, giving it an exciting and refreshing finish. Finish Long, Crisp, Mineral Long and crisp, leaving a lasting impression of bright citrus and chalky minerality. The purity of the Chardonnay shines through, with a delicate balance between freshness and complexity that continues to evolve with each sip.
Pol Roger Brut
An impressively rich, dry style from one of the oldest and most distinguished Champagne houses. Pol Roger Brut is perfect both as an occasion wine or for impromptu celebrations.
Pol Roger Vintage
One of the finest of all French Champagne houses and in top form in recent years with their vintage releases. Vintage Pol combines elegance and finesse with depth and complexity of flavour.
Lanson Gold Label Vintage Brut
Lanson has all the history and experience of 250 years behind it to produce this truly remarkable vintage Champagne that delivers more for your dollar than any other vintage Champagne on the shelves. Wonderful linear acidity that is as taut as a high-wire complimented by a rush of citrus blossom. Remarkable.
Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne
Typical of the Taittinger "house" style, their non vintage Champagne is superbly well-balanced and easy to drink. Smoothly textured with delicate fruit flavours and subtle toasty yeast characters it is an ideal aperitif.
Billecart Salmon Brut Nature Non-Vintage
Nv Billecart Salmon Brut Nature, A visual intensity of pale gold, enhanced by the clarity of a pure and sparkling ensemble. With ultra-fine, regular and plentiful bubbles which are focussed towards the surface of the glass in a disciplined manner. It’s the engagement of an authentic seduction, nuanced by the purity and the exact maturity of a distinct and vibrant aromatic profile (orchard fruits, fresh citrus and small pains au lait). An ample and harmonious tactile approach, preserved by a deliciously chiselled mineral tension. A well balanced and nicely rounded lightly sparkling sensation is strengthed by a captivating gustatory rajectory (white flesh fruits, lime trees and almond cream.
Louis Roederer Collection
The Collection blend is dominated by Chardonnay which was of exceptional quality in the 2017 vintage. The perfectly ripe Chardonnay grapes lend the wine its aromas of ripe, sweet fruit complemented by subtle oaky notes. The palate is rich and ripe with a luxurious texture that coats the palate, the signature of an outstanding Chardonnay. The Pinot noir and Meunier grapes from the Vallée de la Marne complete the wines broad, luscious, smooth and juicy character. The finish is energetic and fresh.
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc Non-Vintage
Charles Heidsieck was one of the very first Champagne Houses to demonstrate its passion for Chardonnay by producing a Blanc de Blancs in its 1949 vintage. There is also evidence that the Maison had produced some mono-crus from the Côte des Blancs as early as1906... Through this cuvée, relaunched in 2018, two of the House’s areas of expertise come together: the production of great white wines and the art of blending a large selection of wines from different years and terroirs. The considerable challenge is to make opposites coexist: the tautness and the freshness of young chardonnays on the one hand, and the silky “Charles” character on the other. The Blanc de Blancs is the result of a very selective blend of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Cote de Sezanne and Montgueux. The cuvée base 2016 is composed of 10 crus of Chardonnay, the most sought-after grapes in the region. For this cuvée, only the juice from the first press are used and, the wines benefit from a slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years, far beyond the norms of the region. From the bottle to glass, this champagne is a pale, crystalline gold colour with glints of the Chardonnay varietal. On the nose the aromas of mature Chardonnay can be recognised initially: white peach, candied citrus with hints of lime, fresh hazelnut and honeysuckle, giving way to subtle hints of tangerine and lemon citrus. On the palate freshness an tautness mark this as almost unconventionally suave for a blanc de blanc, so often characterised as being sharp rather than creamy. The harmonious finish offers a surprising minerality and a slight salinity.
Joseph Perrier Vintage
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Non-Vintage
The House of Ruinart stands in a league of its own, defying convention and captivating with its unique legacy. Founded in 1729, it holds the distinction of being the very first Champagne House, a visionary endeavour inspired by the foresight of a monk who possessed a remarkable intuition far beyond his era. In the heart of the Champagne region, specifically in Reims, a significant moment unfolded on September 1st, 1729. It was then that Nicolas Ruinart, driven by the profound influence of his visionary monk uncle, drafted the historic charter that marked the birth of Maison Ruinart, forever etching its name as the world's pioneer in champagne production. Little did they know that this bold initiative would pave the way for an enduring enterprise that thrives and prospers even after nearly three centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the course of history. During the remarkable period of the mid-18th century, Ruinart made a significant acquisition to enhance its champagne production. The House secured ownership of ancient crayères, subterranean chalk quarries meticulously carved beneath the historic city of Reims. These extraordinary caverns served as the ideal sanctuary for storing their precious bottles, ensuring optimal aging and maturation. Building upon its reputation for innovation, Ruinart continued to push boundaries. In 1764, the House achieved yet another milestone by successfully shipping the first-ever Rosé champagne across the vast expanse of Europe. This ground-breaking achievement introduced a new dimension to the world of champagne, captivating connoisseurs with its captivating hues and captivating flavors. Bestowed with nobility and adopting the esteemed name Ruinart de Brimont in 1817, the family has diligently guided the House for over two centuries. With each passing generation, a new Head of House emerges, bringing forth their unique talents and unwavering commitment to serve the lineage of Ruinart. This steadfast succession ensures the preservation of the family's legacy, as each successor devotes themselves to upholding the traditions and values that define Ruinart. Their collective efforts have propelled the House to unparalleled heights, solidifying its reputation as a bastion of excellence in the world of champagne. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs embodies purity of the Chardonnay grapes from which it is made exclusively. Made primarily with Premiers Crus from the Cote des Blancs, and Montagne de Reims Terroirs, it is intensely aromatic. The blend is 100% Chardonnay from various years (20 to 25% of which are reserve wines from the 2 previous years). The nose is powerfully reminiscent of fresh fruits with dominant notes of citrus and exotic fruits, followed by a touch of jasmine, white peaches and pink peppercorns. A perfect champagne for aperitifs, particularly in spring and summer. It is an excellent complement to seafood and shellfish; perfect with a sea bass or bream tartare. It would also be very good with seared sole. Note - this item does not come with a gift box.