Houses
Ayala
An Aÿ house founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala, historically associated with early dry champagne and now known for fresh, low-dosage, Chardonnay-forward blends.
- Founded
- 1860
- Location
- Aÿ, champagne, France
- Ownership
- Part of Société Jacques Bollinger
- Known for
- Brut Majeur · Low-dosage style · Early dry champagne pioneer · Chardonnay-forward blends
- Grapes
- Chardonnay (2) · Pinot Noir (2) · Meunier (1)
- Official site
- www.champagne-ayala.fr
Style
Ayala favours freshness, low dosage and a clean, contemporary profile. Chardonnay plays a prominent role in the blends, giving the wines lift and precision even though the house is based in the Pinot Noir village of Aÿ.
History
Edmond de Ayala founded the house in Aÿ in 1860. The house became known in the 19th century for promoting a much drier style than was common at the time. Bollinger acquired Ayala in 2005 and relaunched it with a sharper, more modern identity.
Positioning
Ayala acts as Bollinger's fresher and more Chardonnay-driven counterpart: still a historic house, but with a contemporary, low-dosage image.
Cuvées
-
Ayala Perle d'Ayala Prestige
blanc de blancs · brut · millésimé
100% Chardonnay · 20% Pinot Noir
-
assemblage · brut · NV
40% Chardonnay · 30% Pinot Meunier · 30% Pinot Noir
Recent
- People
Hadrien Mouflard currently serves as managing director of Ayala before his appointment to Pol Roger .
Read article The Drinks Business 2 June 2026