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

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