AYALA Brut 'Majeur' Champagne NV MAGNUM

Description

Presented in magnum format, the Ayala Brut Majeur is a shining example of elegance and purity from one of the most historic houses in the Champagne region. This larger bottle size is highly prized by wine enthusiasts because it allows the wine to mature far more slowly and gracefully than a standard bottle, resulting in a remarkably smooth and complex profile that is absolutely ideal for grand celebrations and memorable gatherings.

The Ayala style is proudly defined by its unusually high proportion of Chardonnay, which forms the backbone of this brilliant blend alongside carefully selected Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. In the glass, it displays a gorgeous pale gold colour with a lively and persistent stream of incredibly fine bubbles. The aromatic profile is wonderfully inviting and fresh, opening with delicate notes of white flowers, ripe peach and crisp green orchard fruit. With a few moments in the glass, these vibrant fruit aromas seamlessly transition into richer hints of baked pastry, toasted almond and honey.

On the palate, the Brut Majeur is exceptionally precise and beautifully balanced. A crisp and vibrant acidity brings tremendous energy to the wine, lifting the lush flavours of white plum, citrus zest and warm biscuit. The exceptionally low dosage allows the natural quality of the grapes and a distinct chalky minerality to shine through brightly. This leads to a beautifully long, lingering and uplifting finish. It is an outstanding aperitif that pairs flawlessly with fresh seafood, delicate fish dishes and elegant party canapes.

JAMES SUCKLING 92 points
Ayala is looking very good and offers some genuine depth and complexity for this entry-level pinot-dominant blend, driving impressive concentration into a savory and defined style. On the palate, this offers up dried-red-cherry fruits, gentle spices and smooth, zesty bite. It finishes with precise, nutty tannin.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 91 points
A beautifully balanced non-vintage, in the lighter style that is Ayala's hallmark. It is fresh, but shows a good amount of blend with older wines to give weight and complexity. The green fruit flavors are well balanced with secondary aromas of almonds, green berries and lively, but not dominant acidity.

VINOUS 89 points
The NV Brut Majeur is a tasty non-vintage offering. Pear, lemon confit, kirsch, spice and exotic floral notes fill out the layers nicely. Medium in body and persistent, the Brut Majeur has a lot to offer. This is the best version of Brut Majeur I have tasted in a very long time. The blend is 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier.