Ayala Champagne A/19 Le Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut Millésime 2019

Champagne Ayala, based in Aÿ, has long favoured Chardonnay led, low dosage styles, and this vintage Blanc de Blancs is drawn entirely from Chardonnay of the 2019 harvest. It is made by the traditional method, with the second fermentation in bottle followed by an extended rest on the fine lees. That long autolytic ageing builds the toasted, nutty layer beneath the fruit, while the extra brut dosage keeps sugar to a minimum so the wine finishes dry and precise. Being a single vintage, it reflects the ripe yet balanced character of the year rather than a house blend.

The wine is pale gold with a fine, sustained bead. The nose opens with lemon, green apple and white peach over white flowers, then a toasted bread and hazelnut depth from the lees. On the palate it is taut and mineral, a saline, chalky freshness carrying the citrus fruit to a long, dry finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass to let the aromatics build. It is a fine aperitif and pairs well with oysters, white fish and aged hard cheeses.