Ayala : Brut Nature

Based on the 2019 vintage and incorporating reserve wines from 2018, 2017 and 2016, the latest release of Ayala’s NV Brut Nature—disgorged in August 2023 without dosage—reveals high-toned aromatics of freshly sliced golden apples just beginning to brown and acacia blossom, mingling with lemon zest and a hint of marzipan. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, lean and incisive, yet it lacks the requisite concentration to fully support its brisk acid spine, culminating in an uncompromisingly bone-dry finish. A pronounced apple-skin aroma intrudes upon the composition, detracting from the wine’s overall harmony. The blend is composed of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier, vinified entirely in steel.

A racy Champagne that carries notes of green apple, blanched almond and grapefruit pith on a vivacious bead. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged August 2022. Drink now. 200 cases imported.

Ayala’s Brut Nature is the same base wine as its Brut Majeur, yet with four instead of three years on the lees and with zero dosage. It’s very pure and fresh, with clean citrus threaded throughout. A crisp, stony Champagne with subtle hints of toasty complexity. Easy to enjoy and at a great price point.

Super-intense and floral with broom bush and candied citrus. Rich, with some stone-fruit ripeness, honey and walnuts. Slightly exotic. Chalky and nutty. Light- to medium-bodied with salted butter, crisp acidity and a polished, fruity finish. Disgorged in 2023. Drink now.

(40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier; zero dosage; disgorged in February 2013): Pale gold. Nervy lime, ginger and floral scents, with suggestions of iodine and tarragon. Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit flavors gain weight with air and turn to deeper nectarine and pear. Unfolds slowly on the finish, lingering with excellent tenacity and resonant mineral and floral notes.

Pale golden yellow, silver reflections, very fine mousse. Delicate notes of fresh pear, a hint of meadow herbs and honeydew melon, white flowers and lime zest in the background. Slender, fine apple fruit, pleasant acidity, salty nuances on the finish. (Deg. 03/22).

Light golden colour with a fine mousse. Pure nose exhibiting young fruit like pear, plum, citrus and fresh almond. Medium-weight, slightly restrained palate with discreet fruit, elevated acidity, bone-dry, good length, but a bit ascetic today, needing time to soften.

Based on 2019 with the same blend, 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and the rest Meunier, with a bit more aging on the lees, the NV Champagne Brut Nature has zero dosage and was disgorged in August 2023. A bright straw color, it’s a touch more forward yet remains elegant on the nose, with more notes of fresh peach, raw hazelnut or almond, and citrus zest. It has lovely salinity and a gastronomic feel and will offer good longevity over the next 10 years or more.

A pale gold for this brut nature meaning zero dosage; it rests for at least 4 years in the cellar before revealing mellow aromas of citrus peel and charming white fruits. Its persistence evokes grey rock—intense, then invigorating. The palate chisels the whole with energy and precision; oysters are not far off with this seashell-driven finish...

This classic blend of the three Champagne grapes is bone dry. With the four years aging, it has lost the searingly dry character and developed a softer style, hinting at toast and mature acidity. Drink the wine now.