Champagne AYALA is pleased to announce the limited-edition release of the AYALA N°16, the next opus from the Collection Series. This unique cuvée is the fourth from the collection, released only in limited quantities when the wines have reached their peak.

This collection of ephemeral cuvées unveils unique terroirs that the Cellar Master has chosen to highlight through the prism of an individual year. Each bottle is the result of the House’s artisanal savoir-faire and is numbered to reflect its rarity. This commitment to terroir is mirrored in the new giftbox design created for the AYALA N°16 release, featuring a map showcasing the different crus that make up the blend: Aÿ, Avenay, Chouilly, Cramant, Cuis and Oger. The giftbox is 100% recyclable and locally sourced with certified raw materials in line with the House’s CSR approach.

This refined 2016 vintage champagne is a union of crus and grape varieties designed to demonstrate AYALA’s expertise. This cuvée is created using 50% Chardonnay as well as 50% traditional grape varieties, made with 100% Grand and Premiers Crus grapes from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. Whilst the Chardonnay brings a traditional silky texture, chalkiness and precision to the wine, the blend also includes Arbane, chosen for its ageing potential, Pinot Blanc for its fullness and balance, and finally Petit Meslier for its aromatic richness.

The 2016 vintage was a year of extreme weather in the Champagne region. After a sunny autumn and a mild winter, the spring was cool and extremely wet. This was followed by scorching temperatures in the summer that enabled the grapes to attain balance and full maturity. The result was a magnificent harvest and perfectly balanced grapes that produced wines with great ageing potential.

Cellar Master, Julian Gout, commented: “This exceptional cuvée is an example of the skills and expertise of our whole team. On the nose, the AYALA N°16 has multiple facets: Mirabelle plum, candied lemon peel and white grapefruit with notes of white flowers, honey acacia and fresh hazelnut. On the palate, it has a precise and acidulated attack with notes of apricot, yuzu and eucalyptus. It is a silky elegant wine with great freshness, complexity and length with a subtle saline finish.”

The AYALA N°16 will soon be available in the UK from selected Fine Wine Merchants and Specialists. This cuvée has an RSP of £110.00 per bottle.