Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs 2018

Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs puts Chardonnay firmly in the spotlight, delivering a bright, finely etched Champagne with elegance, depth and a distinctly chalky edge. Pear, grapefruit and jasmine meet honey, blood orange and delicate pastry notes, while fine bubbles and lively acidity carry everything through a dry, mineral finish. The fruit is drawn from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards across the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, bringing together finesse, tension and texture. Refined enough for a proper occasion but far too enjoyable to save indefinitely, it is superb with oysters, scallops, fresh fish or simply a good glass.

What the winery says:

Made entirely from Chardonnay selected from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, the wine is micro-vinified in small stainless-steel vats before extended ageing in Ayala’s cellars. A low Extra Brut dosage preserves its purity and freshness. Fine, dynamic bubbles introduce pear, grapefruit, jasmine and gentle honeyed notes, followed by blood orange and pastry on the palate. Lively acidity, subtle bitterness and pronounced chalky minerality bring precision and length to the finish.

What the experts say:

Wine Enthusiast, 94/100
“A beautiful Champagne, this citrus and white-fruited wine is tightly textured with a strong mineral character and pure acidity and freshness.”

James Suckling, 93/100
“This blanc de blancs has excellent balance between citrus, stone fruit and chalky minerality.”