Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur NV

Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur Giftbox is elegant, Chardonnay-led Champagne with a bright, precise style and considerably more depth than simple celebration fizz. Lemon, crisp pear and white peach meet delicate flowers, red berries and restrained pastry notes, carried by fine bubbles through a fresh, lightly mineral finish. Founded in Aÿ in 1860, Ayala has long favoured lower-dosage Champagnes that let purity and balance take the lead. 

What the winery says:

Brut Majeur brings together 70 crus from across Champagne, led by 55% Chardonnay with 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier. Each cru, grape variety and year is vinified separately in small stainless-steel vats before blending, helping preserve the character of the individual terroirs. An average of three years ageing on lees adds finesse and texture, while a low dosage of 6g/L maintains freshness and purity. Citrus, white-fleshed fruit and delicate flowers lead into a balanced, precise palate with refined bubbles and lingering vinosity.

What the experts say

Cuisine Magazine, Top 10 Champagne, 5 Stars
"The Ayala Champagne house (which is owned by Bollinger) has been hitting its straps over recent years. This release has terrific drive and life, with apple and fresh linen aromas and a lingering persistence in the mouth. As with all fine Champagne, it manages to be both imposing and elegant."

Cameron Douglas MS, 96/100
"Complex, fresh, layered and classic, a fascinating bouquet with layers of sweet citrus and a deep centered autolysis, white strawberry and white fleshed stone fruits. A delicious wine on the palate with fine a mousse texture, a whisper of white spice and white stone fruits. The acid line is perfect carrying flavours and highlighting the complexities of autolysis. Delicious and lengthy with best drinking from day of purchase through 2032. Outstanding value!"

James Suckling, 94/100
"Intense, elegant nose, showing strawberries, lemon peel and pulp with a subtle, brioche character. Fine mousse with crisp long acidity and a lot of substance on mid-palate. Medium to full body, yet a cleansing, polished finish. 55% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. Disgorged in 2024. Dosage 6g/L. Drinkable now, but best in 5-6 months, after developing more complexity."