Champagne Ayala

Brut Nature NV

Champagne, France

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Brut Nature demonstrates to perfection the high quality of grapes used by the House to craft its wines, and its remarkable expertise in vinification. Making a no-dosage wine is quite complex, and Ayala’s expression offers nothing short of purity and precision. 

Ayala’s Brut Nature is a blend of 55% Chardonnay 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier, and spends nearly 4 years in the cellar aging so that the acidity is integrated. 

The color is bright gold, with a silver hue. The nose is direct but fine, and marked by precise notes of citrus fruit with a saline component. On the palate, the wine is complex and clean. It remains full of purity and tension, delivering dry mineral notes along with flavors of grapefruit and white fruit.

 

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.

Winemaking

Ayala Brut Nature is a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier. The quality of Ayala is the result of a very careful selection of the grapes. Everything from grape reception, vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. The Brut Nature is aged for 4 years and rests in the cellars for at least 3 months after disgorgement.

Tasting Note

“Pale gold. Nervy lime, ginger and floral scents, with suggestions of iodine and tarragon. Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit flavors put on weight with air and take a turn to deeper nectarine and pear. Unfolds slowly on the finish, hanging on with excellent tenacity and resonating mineral and floral notes.” ‒ 92 Points Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

Food Pairing

Brut Nature is the perfect match for oysters, raw fish and shellfish, sea urchin and caviar. It is also ideally suited to Thai cuisine or sushi, maki and sashimi.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir

Appellation

Champagne, France

Farming

Ayala encourages their growers to use organic fertilizers and avoid insecticides, herbicides and pesticides.

Alcohol

12.0%

Suggested Retail Price

$80.00

Reviews

"Creamy, opulent"

Jeb Dunnuck - March 27, 2020 "Disgorged February, 2019, the NV Brut Nature checks in as 40% each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with the balance Pinot Meunier, all aged four years. It offers a richer golden hue as well as rich aromatics of stone fruits, crushed citrus, and toasted bread. This is a layered, mouthfilling Champagne that has wonderful balance, a creamy, opulent mousse, and a great finish."

"A well-cut, mouthwatering version"

Wine Spectator - August 10, 2018 A well-cut, mouthwatering version, with a fine bead and a rich hint of toasted raisin bread layered with flavors of white cherry, dried apricot and candied lemon zest.”

"Ayala specializes in dry Champagnes"

Wine Enthusiast - August 10, 2018 Ayala specializes in dry Champagnes, and this is the house’s extreme example. It has just the right amount of bottle age to soften its intense acidity and develop some toastiness and fruit. It can be enjoyed now, but a few more months in bottle would make it even better.”

"Smooth, nicely ripened and well-balanced"

James Suckling - August 10, 2018 "Attractive gently reductive florals and chalky stony notes. This smells extremely fresh. The palate has a fresh grapefruit, lemon and white peach fruit core. Smooth, nicely ripened and well-balanced. Drink now."

"Extremely powerful and vibrant"

James Suckling - August 2, 2023 "This is so chalky and intense on the nose and palate. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intense center palate and a racy, spicy and very dry finish. Extremely powerful and vibrant. Three years on the lees. 55% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier."- -J.S 8/23

"Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit"

Vinous - August 10, 2018 “Pale gold. Nervy lime, ginger and floral scents, with suggestions of iodine and tarragon. Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit flavors put on weight with air and take a turn to deeper nectarine and pear. Unfolds slowly on the finish, hanging on with excellent tenacity and resonating mineral and floral notes.”

More on Champagne Ayala Brut Nature NV

Hold the Sugar with Brut Nature Champagne

January 5, 2021 - Alcohol Professor contributor Kelly Magyarics shined a light on zero dosage champagnes and highlighted Champagne Ayala Brut Nature as one of the best expressions of the style. Magyarics spoke with…

Champagne Ayala Announces New Winemaker, Julian Gout

October 27, 2022 - The Drinks Business write about Champagne Ayala's newly appointed Cellar Master. "Former Selosse and Taittinger winemaker Julian Gout has been appointed cellar master at Champagne Ayala, beginning November 1st." Gout…

Trade Materials

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