Description:
A delicate cherry colour with a hint of copper. The mousse is fine and persistent. On the nose, there are aromas of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, morello cherries) together with spice notes.
On the palate, this wine is powerful, vinous and is well balanced. The finish, rich and fresh, is elegant and long lasting.
Blend of Grapes: 47% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier, 8 % red still wine from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (from old vines).
Production: The origin of the cru's gives a good idea of the quality of this rose. The Pinot Noir is sourced from Aÿ, Mareuil sur Aÿ, Louvois, Bouzy, Tours sur Marne, Verzy and Rilly. The Chardonnay is sourced from Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cuis and Vertus. And the Pinot Meunier is sourced from Venteuil, Cerseuil, St Martin d’Ablois and Chavot. These villages are ranked at the very high level of 93% on the ‘échelle des crus’ scale.
This cuvée is made predominantly from the great 1999 vintage, and is produced with the addition of 8% still red wine, produced from old vine Pinot Noir grown in Mareuil-sur-Ay. After second fermentation Ayala Rosé spends more than 2 years on its lees in the Ayala cellars, and rests for a further 4 months after riddling, disgorgement and the addition of liqueur d'expedition', and prior to shipment.
Ayala is owned by the Bollinger Champagne House.
"This rosé is yeasty and elegant with bright raspberry fruit that leads on to some creamy, dark, spicy flavour and a juicy finish."
Susie Barrie, Decanter Magazine, August 2004
(equivalent to £20.95 per bottle)
(Decanter 2006 - Silver Medal Winner)
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