The story behind Ayala
Edmond de Ayala founded the house in 1860 in Aÿ, a Grand Cru village in Champagne best known for Pinot Noir. Ayala went the other way, making Chardonnay the signature grape across the range. In 1865, while sweet was the fashion, the house released a dry Champagne with dosage far lower than the era expected.
Ayala has been a founding member of the Syndicat des Grandes Marques since 1882 and has belonged to the Bollinger family since 2005, running independently on style and sourcing. Fruit is hand picked from a spread of crus, each parcel and variety vinified apart in temperature controlled stainless steel, no oak in the primary cuvées. Thirty plus years behind our counter, that steady dry house style is why we keep pouring it.
Explore the Ayala range
Four expressions, one thread: Chardonnay forward, low dosage, clean lines. Brut Majeur is the everyday pour; Blanc de Blancs is the special occasion bottle.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brut Majeur NV | Non-vintage brut | 12 to 12.5% ABV | 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Meunier, 6 g/L dosage |
| Brut Nature NV | Zero dosage brut | 12 to 12.5% ABV | Same blend, no added sugar, bright mineral edge |
| Rosé Majeur NV | Non-vintage rosé | 12 to 12.5% ABV | Chardonnay led with still Pinot Noir from Aÿ |
| Rosé NV | Non-vintage rosé | 12 to 12.5% ABV | Fresh red fruit, dry finish, aperitif weight |
| Blanc de Blancs | Vintage blanc de blancs | 12 to 12.5% ABV | 100% Chardonnay, Grand and Premier Crus, exceptional years only |
Which Ayala is right for you?
Ayala sits in the sweet spot where grower precision meets grande marque consistency. Our Brut Majeur is $36.99 for the 750mL, the Rosé $46.99, the Rosé Majeur $49.99, and the Blanc de Blancs $89.99. All four are 12 to 12.5% ABV. For a Chardonnay driven Champagne with low dosage and no oak, that is honest money. Stock moves quickly on this shelf, so call ahead at (631) 343-7200 before you drive over to Commack.
Dry, Chardonnay led, priced to open on a Tuesday without flinching.
Pinot Noir from Aÿ gives real fruit while the dry finish stays serious.
100% Chardonnay from Grand and Premier Crus, made only in strong years.