Ayala Brut Majeur Rose NV
Founded by Edmond De Ayala in 1860, the House Ayala possesses a remarkable history, rooted in the visionary spirit that resonates with its melodious name from distant lands. The name Ayala appears almost serendipitous, intricately tailored for the village of Aÿ, where the House has proudly stood since its inception. Edmond De Ayala, an inquisitive and bold personality, consistently pursued the path less travelled. Vibrant with the essence of excellence and a spirit of adventure, the House of Ayala continues to be inspired by the indomitable founder who paved its way. In contrast to the prevailing French tradition of dosage, which exceeded 150 g/L during that era, Edmond De Ayala took a bold and audacious move by unveiling "dry champagne" in 1865, with a mere 21 g/L dosage. As a true pioneer, he possessed a discerning vision to revolutionize the Champagne landscape by introducing a drier style, which has created a profound impact to the modern world.
Through bespoke craftsmanship, House Ayala employs a tailored approach, working with a diverse selection of crus to achieve the utmost balance and skilfully express the exceptional terroir surrounding Chardonnay, the house's emblematic grape variety. Champagne Ayala relentlessly pursues the finest raw materials from the Champagne region and currently boasts a palette of 70 crus, with 50 of them dedicated to Chardonnay. These crus are sourced from the most esteemed terroirs of Champagne. This remarkable diversity, a distinctive feature of the house, contributes to the complexity and vibrant aromatic freshness found in their blends. The house maintains 20 hectares of their own vineyards, situated in esteemed locations such as the Montagne de Reims, encompassing Aÿ Grand Cru and Dizy, as well as the Côte des Blancs, including Chouilly and Oger, both classified as Grands Crus. Additionally, they have vineyards in Champvoisy and Passy-Grigny in the Vallée de la Marne. With an unwavering commitment to pure expression of the raw materials, Champagne Ayala is transitioning their vineyards to organic viticulture and has obtained HEV and VDC certifications. The House consistently fosters trusting relationships with winegrowers and supports them in their environmental endeavours.
Rosé Majeur embodies the refinement of AYALA champagnes. Chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety of the House, for the most part, brings freshness and finesse to this blended rosé, composed of 24 exceptional crus. When it comes to blending and vinification, nothing is left to chance. The Pinots Noirs, originating from the best crus on the Montagne de Reims, are handled here with emphasis on fruit rather than structure. Rosé Majeur is primarily a sweet treat, with a subtle dosage. The delicate notes arise from the red wine, added to the blend in a small amount. This still wine is elaborated exclusively from the Pinot Noir of Aÿ, a Grand cru characterized by the legendary generosity of its fruit. The low dosage, a trademark of the House, here underlines the beautiful freshness and elegance of a great rosé blend.
Comprised of 51% Chardonnay 39% Pinot Noir 10% Meunier. It gets Ayala's trademark low dosage (just 6g/L) underscoring the beautiful freshness and fruit definition of this rosé blend. It's pale, light yet expressive. Brilliant, due to the high proportion of chardonnay in the blend. The notes of red gooseberries and raspberries, finishes lengthy and voluptuous owed to the 3 years on lees.
A very pretty rosé with dried-strawberry and apple aromas and flavours. Some spiced-pear and iron undertones. Cranberries, too. Full-bodied with precision and tightness. Focused and solid. Fine bubbles and length. Always an excellent rosé. 51% chardonnay, 39% pinot noir and 10% pinot meunier. 6 g/l dosage. - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
A lacy and elegantly styled Rose Champagne, the NV Champagne Majeur Rose Brut is always a high proportion of Chardonnay, with it clocking in at 51% of the blend for this vintage, with 10% Meunier and the rest Pinot Noir (6% of which came from Ay). Based on the 2019 vintage, it saw the same reduction of dosage as the Majeur Brut, from 7 grams per litre to 6 grams per litre of dosage. On opening, it pours a pale pink-silver colour and is fresh with aromas of white peach, fresh rose petals, and fresh strawberry. Medium-bodied on the palate, it offers a delicate mousse, fresh notes of orchard fruit, a delicate, chalky texture, and clean lift on the finish. - Jeb Dunnuck.
Nose - Charming, Small Red Fruits, Flint
Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne flavours of strawberry and red cherry, with flint and background bready character.
Palate - Voluptuous, Smooth, Fresh
Buoyant and expressive, creamy mousse delivering beautiful freshness, notes of red currants and raspberries.
Finish - Persistent, Crunchy Fruit, Minerals
Persistent flavours in the finish. From crisp vine peach to crunchy red fruits, with a pleasing bitterness and phenolic chew.
The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - 51% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - Non-Vintage
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%