Maison Ayala continues its journey dedicated to the exploration of Chardonnay with the launch of Le Blanc de Blancs A/19, a new interpretation of the emblematic cuvée that stands among the most distinctive signatures of the pure, balanced style of the historic Aÿ-based Maison. This edition ideally follows the path inaugurated with A/18 and marks another step in a project destined to unfold over the coming years, with Champagnes capable of expressing, each time, the character of the different terroirs that shape the Maison’s hallmark grape variety.
A/19 perfectly reflects Ayala’s vision: 100% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, crafted through parcel-by-parcel vinification, with meticulous attention to detail and an interpretation of the vintage that brings together tension, elegance, and lightness.
Le Blanc de Blancs A/19 and the 2019 vintage: balance, structure, and long ageing potential
The 2019 harvest, which began in early September, unfolded under unusual and contrasting weather conditions. After a mild autumn and winter, spring alternated between dry, rainy, and stormy periods, while summer brought record daytime temperatures offset by cool nights. This complex cycle favoured dynamic ripening, particularly for Chardonnay, resulting in wines that are elegant, structured, and endowed with excellent ageing potential.
It is from this context that A/19 is born: a Blanc de Blancs expressing finesse and breadth, marked by a pronounced mineral signature and refined vibrancy.
An assemblage of six complementary Crus
The cuvée is crafted from six villages selected for their aromatic and structural complementarity: Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger—Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs—alongside the Premier Crus of Cuis and Vaudemange, in the Montagne de Reims.
Each Cru contributes a distinctive trait: the fruity freshness of Chouilly, the vibrancy and breadth of Cramant, the tension of Mesnil, the chalky minerality of Oger, the silkiness of Cuis, and the depth of Vaudemange.
Vinification takes place through micro‑vinifications of individual parcels in small stainless‑steel vats, followed by a long ageing on lees lasting six years. The Extra Brut dosage (5 g/l) enhances purity and freshness.
Le Blanc de Blancs A/19: style, elegance, and gastronomic vocation
Le Blanc de Blancs A/19 has a clear gastronomic vocation: a bright golden colour, fine and dynamic bubbles, and an aromatic profile combining fruit, citrus, and white flowers, lifted by a subtle honeyed nuance.
On the palate, it reveals structure and energy, with fresh tension and chalky minerality that define the Maison’s stylistic signature. It is excellent as an aperitif, yet naturally pairs with raw scallops, sea bass tartare with citrus, oysters, and delicate seafood dishes.
Julian Gout, Chef de Caves, describes it as: “Bright, with fine and dynamic bubbles. On the nose, Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs A/19 reveals elegant aromas of pear, grapefruit, and jasmine, followed by honeyed notes. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and open, with notes of blood orange and pastry. An extremely vibrant wine with beautiful bitter notes and a chalky minerality, characteristic of the cuvées signed by Maison Ayala.”
Maison Ayala: a story rooted in the Grand Cru of Aÿ
Founded in 1860, Maison Ayala is one of Champagne’s historic houses and owes much to its deep connection with Aÿ, one of the very few villages classified as Grand Cru for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its production philosophy is built on precision, purity, and a tailor‑made approach to blending—elements that have shaped the identity of its cuvées over time. The Maison’s goal remains to express, through each bottle, the balance between terroir, tradition, and modernity.
