Champagne Ayala
Perle d’Ayala 2006
Champagne, France
A treasure in the portfolio, Perle d’Ayala is produced only in exceptional years, according to practices that have remained faithful to the Champagne tradition. Composed of a majority of Chardonnay, this wine captures the essence of the Champagne terroir, in the purest respect of the style of the House.
This beautifully refined prestige cuvée is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all from Grand Cru villages.
Vineyard
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. Fruit for this prestige Champagne was selected from 100% Grand Crus villages, including Chouilly, Aÿ and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Winemaking
This beautifully refined prestige cuvée is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all from Grand Cru villages. Everything from grape reception to vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. The Cuvée Perle d’Ayala rests in the cellar for 9 years after disgorgement under cork (not crown), in order to allow for controlled oxidation and development of complex aromas and flavors. This is a very rare practice in Champagne today.
Vintage
A year with mixed, but lucky weather. A rainy spring followed by a very hot summer slowed ripeness, but important rainfall and a cool September ensured maturation of the fruit. Expert sorting of fruit from some of the region’s finest vineyards helped assure that the 2006 vintage would turn out especially concentrated and full of character.
Tasting Note
A striking pale gold in color. There is a nutty complexity that is balanced by a wonderful perfume of peach, lemon and lime aromas. As you continue to enjoy this wine, you get rich pastry notes on the palate and a fleshy, round finish that lingers.
Food Pairing
Thanks to its remarkable intensity and pedigree in terms of provenance, Perle d’Ayala 2006 is a great match for noble dishes, such as seared foie gras, chicken with a mushroom sauce or braised veal sweetbreads.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Appellation
Champagne, France
Farming
Ayala encourages their growers to use organic fertilizers and avoid insecticides, herbicides and pesticides.
Alcohol
12.7%
Suggested Retail Price
$175.00
Reviews
"Toastiness, yeast and a taut texture"
Wine Enthusiast - February 11, 2020 “After 12 years aging on the lees, this wine is at its peak. Its maturity is now showing beautifully, bringing out toastiness, yeast and a taut texture. The wine's richness is now at its best and it is ready to drink."
James Suckling - January 15, 2019 “A Chardonnay dominant cuvee (80 percent) that has rested on the lees for more than eight years.\ It delivers attractive, nutty complexity with an array of peach, lemon and lime aromas. The palate has attractive, pastry-like flavors with lime curd and a fleshy, smooth finish.”
Reviews
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
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No° 7
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Champagne Ayala’s No.7 is the second opus from the “The Ayala Collection”, a series of unique cuvée created to express the specificity of a vintage and a selection of exceptional crus through the lens of this boutique Maison. Produced in limited quantities and released only upon indication that the elements in this wine are integrated and evolved to a point of perfect harmony.
