Ayala's Cuvée n°14 is the perfect illustration of Ayala's expertise, made from the house's 5 emblematic Grands Crus: Aÿ, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Verzy.
Each cru is vinified separately, blended in equal proportions, and blended with red wine from the Bouzy terroir to obtain that distinctive aroma and hue.
The Aÿ terroir brings its rich fruit and structure, Chouilly offers its elegance and balance, Cramant gives its chalky mineralitý, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger transmits its tension and ageing potential, and finally Verzy is chosen for its straightforward, strict character.
Cuvée n°14 was then aged for 6 years on lees, before being tasted, dosed as Extra Brut and offered for tasting.
Cuvée n°14 Ayala is a rose-gold color with delicate, fine bubbles.
The nose reveals notes of red fruits, morello cherries, redcurrants and cherries. On the second nose, more exotic notes emerge, evoking frangipani blossom, mango, lychee and passion fruit.
On the palate, Cuvée n°14 Ayala opens with a lively, generous attack, which quickly gives way to an unctuous, fruity mid-palate buoyed by great minerality.
The finish is remarkable, evoking candied ginger and grapefruit.
This champagne is a perfect match for sea bass carpaccio with mango and pink berries, as well as lamb shoulder with sweet spices or beef tartar with shellfish reduction. For a sweet note, a mara des bois pavlova will subtly balance the lovely bitters of this cuvée.
