Winery: Champagne Ayala

Country / Region: FRANCE / Champagne

Date Winery was established: 1860

Grape Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier

Year the vintage was first released: Non-Vintage

Alcohol Content / Volume: 12.5% / 1.5L

Ratings: 91 pts Wine Enthusiast

Decanting Time: No need, but a wider like a white wine glass will help on the complexity of this fine Champagne. Chilled and serve at 8-12°C.

Our suggestion for decanting time is based on bottles we tried at Txanton in 2025. We guarantee that Txanton stocks are imported and maintained in proper storage within the correct temperature and humidity suitable for wine.

Good to Know: Founded in 1860 in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Champagne Ayala is one of the region’s historic houses, known for pioneering the dry style of Champagne with a low-dosage cuvée as early as 1865. Once favored by British royalty and a founding member of the Syndicat des Grandes Marques, Ayala flourished during the Belle Époque. After a period of decline, the house was revitalized following its acquisition by Bollinger in 2005, with modernized facilities and a renewed focus on Chardonnay-led, low-dosage cuvées. Today, Ayala is celebrated for its elegant, fresh, and precise Champagnes like Brut Majeur and Blanc de Blancs.

Brut Majeur is a signature expression of the AYALA style, highlighting Chardonnay's purity and elegance with a 55% share in the blend. Crafted from over 70 carefully selected crus across Champagne—including the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Aube, Vitryat, and Sézannais—it reflects the rich diversity of the region’s terroirs. Ideal as a refined aperitif, Brut Majeur also pairs beautifully with dishes like white fish, shellfish, poultry, or a cheese board.