Peter Hoyne of The Chicago Wine Press published two terrific reviews of Champagne AYALA A/18 and Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée, which accompanied a story he wrote to help readers select the best bottles of sparkling to bring to different types of holiday parties.
Importantly, the write up notes that AYALA A/18 is a 100% pure expression of Chardonnay. Aged for six years and crafted from six premier and grand cru sites, A/18 offers purity, elegance, and tension with a low dosage. Its sleek profile showcases notes of fresh brioche, spiced pears, green apple, and wet stone, finishing clean and graceful with vibrant citron acidity. Read the full review of this wine HERE
When describing Champagne Bollinger’s flagship cuvée, Hoyne highlights the high proportion of 60% Pinot Noir in the blend. Aged for 7-8 years, he describes Special Cuvée as powerful yet refined, with a creamy mousse and toasted brioche notes. Its core is layered with caramelized red apples, candied lemons, and chalky minerality, offering a balanced and approachable profile. Read the full review of this wine HERE
Champagne Bollinger_Chicago Wine Press_12.10.24 (1) Champagne Ayala_Chicago Wine Press_12.10.24 (2)
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Champagne Bollinger
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV
Champagne
A journey of devotion, Special Cuvée’s powerful impact and elegant depth of flavor capture Bollinger’s distinct spirit. 30% ferments in neutral barrel for a silky texture while the reserve wines (hand-riddled and blended from magnum) contribute the signature aromas of an aged Champagne. Special Cuvée is layered with freshness, savor and spice, all in a velvety texture that truly stands apart.
Champagne Ayala
Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs A/18
Champagne
Ayala’s Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay, produced in small quantities in exceptional years only and fully expresses the superb caliber of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After six years of aging in Ayala’s cellars, remarkable minerality and low dosage make this an outstanding wine that can accompany a variety of flavorful dishes, including poultry and fish, or be served on its own to celebrate a special occasion.
Related Producers
Champagne Ayala
Champagne, France
Ayala is one of the most exciting stories in Champagne today — the definition of a boutique Champagne producer. Independently owned, a small, young and dynamic team handles every step of production from grape reception to labeling in their jewel of a facility with incredible precision, crafting Chardonnay-focused wines that deliver immense pleasure, freshness and elegance.
Champagne Bollinger
Champagne, France
Bollinger is one of the rare Grande Marques that’s still family owned. Known for its rich, elegant and polished style of Champagne, their outstanding wines are the result of rigorous attention to detail and incredibly labor-intensive practices that few houses are willing to undertake. Underscoring its excellence, Bollinger has remained British secret agent James Bond's Champagne of choice since 1973.
