Champagne Ayala

La Perle 2013

Champagne, France

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A treasure in the portfolio, La Perle is produced only in exceptional years, according to practices that have remained faithful to the Champagne tradition. Composed of a majority of Chardonnay, this wine captures the essence of the Champagne terroir, in the purest respect of the style of the House.

This beautifully refined prestige cuvée is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all from Grand Cru villages.

Vineyard

Ayala currently owns 35 acres in Champagne. Thanks to its privileged location in the heart of the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims and their link to Bollinger, they also have unique access to top quality grapes. Fruit for this prestige Champagne was selected from 100% Grand Crus villages.

Winemaking

This beautifully refined prestige cuvée is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all from Grand Cru villages. Everything from grape reception to vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. The Cuvée La Perle rests in the cellar for 9 years after disgorgement under cork (not crown), in order to allow for controlled oxidation and development of complex aromas and flavors. This is a very rare practice in Champagne today.

Vintage

Tasting Note

Bright golden color with fine bubbles. Expressive and complex nose with notes of cloved orange, gingerbread, vanilla from Madagascar, hazelnut and tobacco.

The mouth is marked by minerality and tension. Starting with purity and freshness with menthol notes, and revealing luscious notes of cooked fruits, Ecuadorian chocolate. A bright and long finish with delicate notes of verbena and lime tree.

Food Pairing

La Perle 2012 will pair perfectly with a beef tataki or a duck breast fillet slightly honeyed with confit carrots. But also, a leg of lamb, a mirabelle plum tart, or even some Tête de Moine cheese.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Appellation

Champagne, France

Farming

Ayala encourages their growers to use organic fertilizers and avoid insecticides, herbicides and pesticides.

Alcohol

12.0%

Suggested Retail Price

$180.00

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast - September 29, 2023 Text to follow in Dec 2023 Issue

"Poised and elegant"

Decanter - November 3, 2023 "Radiant limes, berries and red apples overlay a bedrock of freshly baked dough and sweet liquorice spice. Soft and poised with a fine-beaded, lingering mousse." -O.M 11/23

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Collection N° 16

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Champagne Ayala’s Collection N°16 is the fourth opus from the "Collection AYALA," a series of unique cuvées created to express the specificity of a vintage and a selection of exceptional crus through the lens of this boutique Maison.  Produced in limited quantities and released only upon indication that the elements in this wine are integrated and evolved to a point of perfect harmony.

Brut Majeur

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Brut Majeur is the epitome of a non-vintage brut from a great, historic House and is the finest ambassador for the House’s freshness and elegance. A blend of the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, coupled with extended ageing in Ayala's cellars and a low dosage make this wine suitable for any occasion.

N° 14 Rosé

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N° 14 is the third opus from the "COLLECTION AYALA," a set of cuvees produced in limited quantities, unveiled only as they approach their peak level of drinkability. This ephemeral cuvee is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir — including Grand Cru Aÿ red wine.

No° 7

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Champagne Ayala’s No.7 is the second opus from the “The Ayala Collection”, a series of unique cuvée created to express the specificity of a vintage and a selection of exceptional crus through the lens of this boutique Maison.  Produced in limited quantities and released only upon indication that the elements in this wine are integrated and evolved to a point of perfect harmony.

Brut Nature

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Brut Nature, cellar-aged for almost 4 years, demonstrates to perfection the high quality of grapes used by the House to craft its wines, and its remarkable expertise in vinification. Being non-dosage, its purity and precision make it an ideal partner for seafood, in particular raw fish and shellfish, or oysters.

Rosé Majeur

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Rosé Majeur is the perfect embodiment of the originality and finesse of the House’s wines. Made predominantly from Chardonnay it is crafted with the addition of a small proportion of Pinot Noir from the best crus of the Montagne de Reims. A low dosage enables it to express the House style, both feminine and generous, with great elegance.

Le Blanc de Blancs

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Ayala’s Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay, produced in small quantities in exceptional years only and fully expresses the superb caliber of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After 6 years of aging in Ayala’s cellars, remarkable minerality and low dosage make this an outstanding wine that can accompany a variety of flavorful dishes, including poultry and fish, or be served on its own to celebrate a special occasion.