Ayala : N°16 Blanc de Blancs 2016

Tasting characteristics and serving suggestions for N°16 Blanc de Blancs 2016 by Ayala

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a bright hue with silvery highlights.

Nose
The nose reveals remarkable subtlety and complexity. It opens with aromas of mirabelle plum and candied lemon zest, accompanied by notes of white grapefruit. Fragrances of white flowers, acacia honey and fresh hazelnut further enrich this delicate bouquet.

Palate
The attack is direct and vibrant, revealing flavors of apricot and yuzu, enhanced by touches of eucalyptus and white flowers. Its silky, elegant texture is carried by great freshness that runs throughout the tasting. This finely etched Champagne offers beautiful complexity and lingers on a long, saline finish.

Food and wine pairings
N°16 Blanc de Blancs 2016 pairs harmoniously with a scallop ceviche garnished with Granny Smith apple and a hint of basil oil. It is also a perfect match for salmon gravlax with lemon thyme. On the dessert side, this Champagne elevates a lemon tart on an almond shortcrust pastry or an apricot poached with verbena.

Serving and cellaring
To fully appreciate N°16 Blanc de Blancs 2016 Ayala, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 10°C. Opt for a tulip-shaped glass, whose narrower opening and rounded bowl help concentrate the aromas. To be enjoyed until around 2030 approximately.

An exceptional Blanc de Blancs celebrating the diversity of Champagne’s white grape varieties

The estate
Founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala in the village of Aÿ, Maison Ayala is a benchmark in Champagne. Led by Hadrien Mouflard since 2012 and owned by the Bollinger family since 2005, it perpetuates a prestigious heritage. A pioneer as early as 1865 with a low-dosage Champagne, the House has developed a distinctive style based on freshness, purity and elegance, giving Chardonnay pride of place. Ayala has been a supplier to the British crown since 1908.

The vineyard
N°16 Blanc de Blancs 2016 comes exclusively from parcels located in the Grands and Premiers Crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, two emblematic Champagne terroirs. The grapes come from the prestigious villages of Aÿ, Avenay, Chouilly, Cramant, Cuis and Oger, renowned for the exceptional quality of their white grape varieties.

The vintage
The year 2016 was marked by contrasting weather conditions. A cool, rainy spring was followed by a scorching summer, creating extreme conditions. Despite these challenges, the grapes reached perfect balance, offering great cellaring potential and a remarkable expression of the terroir.

Winemaking and aging
N°16 Blanc de Blancs 2016 benefits from micro-vinification in small stainless-steel vats, allowing precise, respectful work on each parcel. The Champagne then underwent an extended aging of six years, developing its aromatic complexity and elegant structure. This Champagne displays an Extra Brut dosage of 5.4 g/L, reflecting great purity and an authentic expression of the terroir.

Grape varieties
This confidential cuvée stands out for its blend of Chardonnay (50 %) combined with rare Champagne grape varieties (50 % Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc) . It is the fourth opus in the Collection Ayala.