Champagne Ayala
If you’re a Champagne lover I don’t think you’ll ever forget your first visit to this iconic wine region, or your first visit to the region's famed chalk cellars. Vidily, I still recall my visit to Ayala where I had one of the most special experiences of my wine journey. Besides adoring the Ayala house style, this experience is partly why Ayala is one of my most beloved Champagnes.
Explore Ayala
Champagne Ayala is a distinguished Champagne house with a storied history that began in 1860. Founded by Edmond de Ayala in Aÿ, a village located in the heart of the Champagne region, Ayala quickly established itself as a producer of high-quality wines. Aÿ is particularly renowned for its Grand Cru* vineyards, which provide the ideal terroir for cultivating the exceptional grapes that define Ayala's elegant and refined Champagnes.
Both World Wars have significantly impacted its history, especially during the German occupation of France in World War II. During this period, the Champagne region was subjected to heavy requisition demands from the occupying forces. The German authorities appointed a "Weinführer" to oversee the production and distribution of champagne, enforcing substantial quotas that greatly strained the local producers.
Champagne houses like Ayala had to navigate these challenges carefully, often resorting to clandestine methods to protect their best vintages from being seized. They employed tactics such as mislabeling bottles or hiding portions of their stock to prevent it from being taken by the occupiers. Despite these efforts, the pressure on the houses was immense, with some being forced to supply large quantities of their most prized champagnes to the German military.
During this tumultuous time, the Champagne industry banded together in a show of unity. In 1941, major producers, including Ayala, helped establish the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), an organization aimed at defending the interests of the Champagne houses and ensuring their survival under occupation. This collective effort played a crucial role in preserving the Champagne industry during and after the war.
In the early 20th century, Champagne Ayala reached a peak of success, producing approximately one million bottles annually. Its reputation for quality and sophistication led to it becoming a favoured supplier to royal courts, including those of Spain and England. This golden era solidified Ayala’s standing as a key player in the global Champagne market, which is admired for its commitment to excellence.
The mid-20th century brought challenges, but Champagne Ayala remained resilient, eventually finding new life when it was acquired by the Bollinger family in 2005. Today, Ayala is celebrated for its fresh, delicate style, which is heavily influenced by Chardonnay grapes. Although it is a relatively small producer in comparison to household names that we all know, the house continues to uphold its tradition of crafting wines that are both sophisticated and accessible, maintaining its legacy as one of the great names in Champagne.
Recently I had the pleasure of attending a Champagne Ayala dinner with Findlater & Co in Forbes Street and was reminded all over again why I’ve loved this fizz from the very first sip. During this evening we enjoyed a meal designed by chef Gareth Mullins who so thoughtfully paired each cuvée to each dish.
Santé
*The 17 Grand Cru villages in Champagne are, Ambonnay, Avize, Ay (Aÿ), Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Bouzy, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Louvois, Mailly-Champagne, Oger, Oiry, Puisieulx, Sillery, Tours-sur-Marne, Verzenay and Verzy. Each of these villages holds the prestigious Grand Cru classification, a reflection of the exceptional terroir and quality of the grapes cultivated there.