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Wine Description
The Story
Our Blanc de Blancs is produced in small quantities in exceptional years only and fully expresses the superb calibre of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After 6 years of ageing in our cellars, remarkable minerality and low dosage make this an outstanding wine that can accompany a variety of flavoursome dishes including poultry and fish, or be served on its own to celebrate a special occasion.
Ayala currently owns 35 acres in Champagne. Thanks to its privileged location in the heart of the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims and their link to Bollinger, they also have unique access to top quality grapes.
Everything from grape reception to vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. The Blanc des Blancs rests in the cellar for 6 years after disgorgement, in order to develop complexity, intensity and roundness on the palate. 2005 is the first vintage vinified in the entirely renovated Ayala cellars.
Pale gold in color with a lively glint, with a very fine necklace of bubbles. Lovely maturity on the nose with charming citrus, pineapple and white flowers. A fresh, pure and intense palate, balancing structure and creaminess, and leading to a long finish. A unique Vintage offering.
Vintage 2005
The 2005 vintage was a year of marked contrasts between seasons and regions. Following a fairly harsh winter, 2005 had a mild spring with relatively warm temperatures all year long. There was above average sunshine and a slight water deficit, as had been the case throughout the dry cycle of 2005/2004 and 2003. The heat and humidity in July produced larger grapes and bunches, rather unusually for the Champagne region, while the cooler weather in August, followed by a very sunny month of September, led to favourable ripening in spite of heavy parasite pressure. The harvest dates were “typical” of those of the decade: September 12th for Chardonnays and the following day for Pinots Noirs.