Champagne Ayala
Collection No.18 Le Blanc de Blancs 2018
Champagne
The fifth opus in Ayala’s limited Collection series, N°18 is a landmark release: the first Blanc de Blancs from the Grand Cru of Aÿ crafted by a Champagne house. Sourced exclusively from the Cocheret plot, a south-facing parcel of 50-year-old vines at the birthplace of the house since 1860, the 2018-driven cuvée delivers amplitude and creamy texture alongside pear, Mirabelle plum, brioche, and the chalky character distinctive to Aÿ. Just 9,998 numbered bottles produced.
VINEYARD
The Cocheret plot sits on a south-facing slope within the Grand Cru of Aÿ, planted between 1977 and 1991, averaging 50 years of age. Chalky soils and ideal exposure deliver exceptional ripeness, lending the Chardonnay from this land its characteristic structure and richness — a distinctive expression on a cru more commonly associated with Pinot Noir.
WINEMAKING
Micro-vinified in small stainless steel vats to preserve the precision and character of the single plot, N°18 is aged six years on lees followed by an extended post-disgorgement rest, with an Extra Brut dosage of 5g/L. Released at peak drinkability in a strictly limited edition of 9,998 numbered bottles.
VINTAGE
A rainy winter and mild spring gave way to a dry, sunny summer in 2018, delivering optimal ripening conditions and an early harvest on September 4th. Grapes were plentiful and in near-perfect condition, with the cool clay sub-soils of Aÿ tempering the warmth of the season. The cru’s south-facing exposure ensured exceptional ripeness, giving the Chardonnay the structure and finesse that define this cuvée.
TASTING NOTE
Brilliant golden hue. The nose opens with pear, Mirabelle plum, and pomelo alongside brioche, fresh hazelnut, and a subtle eucalyptus lift. Generous on the palate with ripe fruit, pastry, and the chalky character distinctive to Aÿ.
FOOD PAIRING
Lobster, scallops, and other rich seafood preparations are natural fits, as are soft-ripened and aged cheeses.
Color
White
Blend %
100% Sparkling Blend
Appellation
Champagne
Farming
Sustainable
Alcohol
12.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$197
Reviews
James Suckling - July 15, 2026 "Floral aromas of peonies, lilies, ripe apples and melon. Full-bodied with fine bubbles. The palate is broad and generous before tightening into a long, savory, saline finish. From a single vineyard. 100% Chardonnay. Aged for six years on the lees. 5 g/L dosage."
Jeb Dunnuck - November 2, 2026 "The sixth release in the Collection series, the 2018 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Millésime Collection No. 18 is 100% Chardonnay from Aÿ, a village far better known for Pinot Noir. Pouring a brilliant green-tinged yellow hue, it is especially appealing on the nose today, even more so than the 2019, with fresh flowers, jasmine, lemon rind, verbena, and white pineapple. Medium-bodied, it has good focus without becoming austere, with a chalky texture and a broader, more rounded character through the palate. There is an appealing richness and depth here while the wine remains fresh and inviting, with a lively mousse carrying through the finish."
Wine Spectator - September 7, 2026 "Plush and creamy, this open-knit Champagne shows a refreshing range of Gala apple, apricot, white blossom, pickled ginger and Marcona almond flavors. Minerally chalk and smoke notes come to the fore and linger on the finish."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Rosé Majeur
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Rosé Majeur is the perfect embodiment of the originality and finesse of the House’s wines. Made predominantly from Chardonnay, it is crafted with the addition of a small proportion of Pinot Noir from the best crus of the Montagne de Reims. A low dosage enables it to express the House style, both feminine and generous, with great elegance. The very high proportion of Chardonnay and the aging process result in a Champagne with remarkable finesse. It ages on the lees for three years, which is more than twice that is required by the appellation.
Brut Majeur
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Ayala Brut Majeur perfectly embodies the Chardonnay-focused style of Ayala. This cuvée achieves balance and finesse through low dosage, stainless-steel vinification, and three years of aging on lees. Made from over 70 crus across Champagne’s key regions, including the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne, each cru is fermented separately in 120 stainless-steel vats, preserving its unique characteristics. The result is a Champagne of exceptional complexity, capturing the richness and diversity of the region’s terroirs.
La Perle
Coteaux Varois
A treasure in the portfolio, La Perle 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.
Collection AYALA
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Champagne Ayala’s N° 7 is the second opus from the “Collection AYALA”, a series of unique cuvées created to express the specificity of a vintage and a selection of exceptional crus through the lens of this boutique Maison. It is 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.
Le Blanc de Blancs
Champagne, France
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 6 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.
