WINERY SUMMARY

In the prestigious Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Ayala Champagne stands as a beacon of purity and precision, where Caroline Latrive's contemporary vision transforms exceptional terroir into Chardonnay-focused masterpieces that redefine Champagne elegance through minimal dosage and maximum expression.

Founded in 1860, Ayala has evolved from historic roots into a modern powerhouse under the guidance of Caroline Latrive, whose philosophy centers on showcasing the pure expression of Champagne's finest terroirs. This dedication to authenticity sets Ayala apart in a region often dominated by tradition, where Latrive's innovative approach honors the past while embracing contemporary winemaking precision. The house's commitment to low-dosage wines allows the limestone-rich soils of Aÿ to speak with unprecedented clarity.

Ayala's portfolio showcases the house's Chardonnay mastery, with the Blanc de Blancs leading a collection that emphasizes freshness and mineral precision over opulent richness. The flagship Brut Majeur demonstrates Latrive's skill in balancing Chardonnay's elegance with Pinot Noir's structure, while the prestige cuvées represent ultra-premium expressions of specific terroirs. Each wine undergoes extended aging in the estate's remarkable 1.6-mile network of Art Deco chalk tunnels, carved 75 feet underground in 1912, where consistent temperatures and humidity create optimal conditions for developing the house's signature purity and finesse.

Visiting Ayala requires advance booking for exclusive tastings within those historic chalk cellars, where the Art Deco architecture creates a stunning backdrop for experiencing the house's philosophy firsthand. The intimate tasting experiences focus on understanding terroir expression and the role of minimal intervention in winemaking, with Caroline Latrive occasionally leading sessions for serious collectors. Tours highlight the unique underground cellars and demonstrate how traditional infrastructure supports contemporary winemaking techniques, offering insights into Ayala's distinctive approach to Champagne production.

For collectors seeking purity over power, Ayala represents an essential Champagne house where innovation serves authenticity. Contact The En Primeur Club to secure allocation access to these increasingly sought-after expressions of Aÿ's exceptional terroir.