Ayala Champagne Brut Nature Zero Dosage i gaveæske

Pale golden yellow with silver reflections and a fine, persistent mousse. Nuances of yellow and white stone fruit, fine floral hints, citrus notes and a mineral touch on the nose. The palate brings a medium body and a core of fruit sweetness from mango and lime. The integrated acid structure creates balance and persistence. A versatile bottle.

This is so chalky and intense on the nose and palate. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intense center palate and a racy, spicy and very dry finish. Extremely powerful and vibrant. Three years on the lees. 55% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. A blend of 2016-2019. 0 g/l dosage. Drink or hold.

The NV Champagne Brut Nature is the same blend as the Majeur but spends an additional five months on the lees. This release has a 2019 base with reserve wines from the previous three years, with 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and the rest Meunier, and it has zero dosage. The NV Champagne Brut Nature pours a pale silver hue and is fresh with more mineral-toned aromas of powdery fresh flowers, crushed oyster shell, crisp apple, and lime zest. Its fluffy mousse rounds out the palate nicely and does not come across as austere, and it’s elegant on the palate, with a chalky texture and a delicate floral and salty finish. I like this in its fresh stage, but it should hold up nicely over the coming 6-8 years. Disgorged in August 2023.

House based in Aÿ. NM 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier, 2016 base. The Brut Nature is the same wine as the Brut Majeur, with an extra time on lees to help build texture. In this instance the 2016 base shows its superiority over the 2017 with a clear, appealing fruit quality with delicate notes of grapefruit peel and white peach. The extra ageing emphasises sourdough and cream, underpinning the palate with enough breadth to carry the zero dosage style. No need to cellar this – drink young.