It is the year 1855, and a gentleman of Spanish-Basque descent known as Edmond de Ayala travels to the village of Aÿ in search of the secrets of the champagne trade. His stay was hosted by the Count of Mareuil, whose daughter was swayed significantly by Edmond's Latin charm and entrepreneurial energy. Their marriage three years later led to a dowry of considerable generosity - Château d'Aÿ and its surrounding vineyards. A great adventure of bubbles and innovation thus began, with Edmond never once foregoing that enterprising spirit that won him his lady's heart.
A strange thought these days, but champagnes at the time were almost universally sweet, with most dosage levels sitting at or exceeding 150g/L. Edmond saw the potential for the sharp, taut precision that the region has become renowned for, launching 'Dry Champagne' in 1865 that sat at 21g/L, affirmed by the lingering qualities and total emphasis on high-quality Chardonnay that has continued through to the modern era. A recently-added series to their catalogue that looks to champion that distinctive style is Le Blanc de Blancs 'A', with each release going forth intended as the finest illustration of a given vintage. The powerful and phenolic A/18 made for a great start (based off 2018), and now fresh off its international release is theA/19 - this week's Champagne Monday choice!
2019 is a season rightfully coming into the conversation as another great of the past decade - where '18 was known for its consistent warmth, producing wines of hearty power and lower-acid, '19 is looking more graceful and harmonious in bottle, offering a fantastic sense of mineral tension, pronounced yet well-integrated acid, and as a result, arguably superior aging capability going forward. That is entirely evident in the A/19; an addictively complex merging of sun-speckled citrus and herbal tang, yet retaining a dynamic breadth with a creamy mousse, fresh apple tart and honeyed biscuit. It would be utterly undeniable alongside some raw scallops, kingfish sashimi, or creamy prawn risotto.
Here is an absolute love letter to those who Chardonnay near and dear, and stands as our team's personal favourite depiction of the 2019 harvest so far. A vivacious choice to pop and savour over the summer months ahead, seemingly showing themselves already as we enter into early spring.
Julian Gout, chef de caves at Champagne Ayala, holds firm to the spirit and Chardonnay-adoration shared by Edmond de Ayala and all the great talents that have followed and maintained this great historical house.
'We uphold a tradition of handcrafted precision, where each gesture holds profound significance.'
Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs A/19 Vintage
$159 on special this week ($185 RRP)
// 100% Chardonnay (Grands & Premiers Crus - Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Cuis and Vaudemange)
Aged for six years on lees before disgorgement in 2025
5g/L dosage
"After a mild sunny fall and winter, 2019 spring turned out dry, rainy and stormy all at the same time. It was followed by a scorching summer with day record-high temperatures and cool nights, giving a dynamic maturation, especially for Chardonnay. The harvest began early September with healthy grapes and the promise of a vintage of rare quality. The wines are balanced, elegant and structured with great ageing potential. On the nose, A/19 unveils elegant aromas of pear, grapefruit and jasmine, followed by honeyed tones. On the palate, the wine is forthright and open with notes of blood orange and pastry. An extremely vivacious wine with beautiful bitter notes and the chalky minerality that is so characteristic of Maison Ayala's signature cuvée." - House Notes
"Light straw colour; the bouquet is highly expressive with scorched herb, nougat and toasted bread aromas, lots of Maillard effect here, the good kinds of aldehydes, and the palate full and rich and round, penetrating every corner of the mouth, with the texture creamy and the flavour long. Lovely balance and drinkability, as well as obvious matured characters. Delicious wine." - 97 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
"An intensely minerally Champagne with wet chalk, fresh quince and basil on the nose. Energetic bubbles and a fine texture lead to a creamy mousse, followed by a long, vibrant finish of candied lemons, spicy grapefruit and a touch of salinity." - 94 Points, James Suckling
"Bright and vibrant in the glass, this new release captures the natural solar intensity of the vintage yet retains terrific freshness and verve. Hints of apricot, tangerine peel, baked apple tart and chamomile resonate effortlessly. Low dosage of 5 grams per liter works well here." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
If you wish to purchase this champagne, please use the link above
If you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special price valid until Monday the 14th of September