Ayala Champagne Brut Millesime 1999

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Starting at: $68^.99

8 Reviews

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Winery:

Ayala

Varietals:

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Region:

France > Champagne

Type:

Sparkling Wine

Color:

White

Drink Dates:

Drink Now - 2011

UPC:

16360002020000

User Tags:  fresh, fruit, style, wine reviews, herbaceous, balance, crisp, nose, strong, fish 

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What to Expect

Champagne is specifically a sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France; every other sparkling is simply that, sparkling wine. Made to be aged for a few to many years, in many languages "Champagne" is synonymous with "party". When young, Champagne exhibits the fresh fruit tones of its "cepage", or blend. Usually based on a blend the features either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir as its main ingredient, Champagne's fruit can range from citrusy to orchard fruits and even red berries. The wine gains distinct yeasty notes from its secondary fermentation, the one that adds the fizz, which is typically described as recalling brioche or bread. As it ages Champagne tends to lose its obvious fruit, which is replaced by subtle nutty tones and subdued elements of dried fruits.

Winemakers Notes

THE 1999 VINTAGE AND THE HARVEST
1999 was granted very good climatic conditions. From bud to flower, development of the grapes was quick and safe. From June 10th to the 13th, the flowering season was short and perfect. During the summer season, heavy showers alternated with hot weather. Despite heavy rainfalls during the harvest, the resulting grape was
impressive in both quality and quantity. The yield was 13,000 kg per hectare; 1,000 kg of which was devoted to the quality reserve. The alcohol degree was over 10. This vintage is reminiscent of 1970 with it’s impressive volume read more...and splendid attributes. 1999 is yet another
great vintage for champagne lovers from AYALA!

BLEND
Made virtually only with Grands Crus grapes (there are only 17 Grand Cru villages, rated 100%, out of the 326 crus in the Champagne region), Pinot Noir accounts for 80% of the blend. Of the Pinot Noir, 100% comes from the grand cru grapes of Aÿ. 99% comes from
Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. These high quality grapes give the wine its vinosity and strength. Chardonnay accounts for 20% of the wine’s composition giving it a superb touch of elegance and finesse. Of the Chardonnay, the crus come from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Chouilly (one third each, all top Grands Crus rated 100%).

TASTING NOTES
A major characteristic of this vintage, Pinot Noir shows a lot of strength to which the Chardonnay brings a nice touch of freshness. Lovely well-developed aromas of honey, acacia, toast and chestnut make this a very traditional Pinot Noir. The wine is well-structured, quite intense but definitely not heavy. It possesses a superb bouquet
and is fabulous on the palate: this vintage is one of AYALA’s best of
the 1990’s.

AGEING
This wine has been aged for 6 years on the lees.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
alcohol 12%vol - acidity 4.1 g/l - ph 3.04 g/l
Dosage 8.2 g/l

FOOD PAIRING
AYALA’s champagne is always good for a friendly aperitif or a special occasion but the “Millesimé” pairs well with substantial courses such as foie gras, game birds and lamb. AYALA Vintage is always good with fish or shellfish and it is excitingly good with fine cheeses.

CONSERVATION
5 to 10 years    (hide)

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