Ayala Ayala Brut Majeur NV 750ml

Ayala’s NV Brut Majeur is a solid entry-level wine. Dried pear, hazelnut, spice and licorice notes open up in a pretty, toasted NV Champagne to drink now and over the next few years. The Pinot comes through loud and clear in the wine’s breadth and overall texture. Disgorged: February 2015.

The nonvintage cuvée from this producer, this bottling exemplifies the drier style that’s the firm’s hallmark. It is elegant, a fruity wine that is also crisply textured. Drink now.

A firm, linear Champagne, with a fine, lively mousse and chiseled acidity defining flavors of ripe cherry, preserved lemon, white blossoms, chalk and ground ginger. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged October 2022. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported.

The NV Brut Majeur shows lovely balance in an approachable, up-front style well-suited to near-term drinking. Clean, mineral notes add a sense of proportion on the fresh, vibrant finish. The blend is 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier, 80% of which is from the 2004 vintage, while the rest of the wine is composed of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reserve wines. Disgorged January, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010–2014.

Bright citrus notes dominate initially, but give way to smooth toasty elements and ripe stone fruit flavors. Medium-bodied with tiny bubbles, the Ayala is a great value in true French Champagne. Not just for toasts, you can also drink this with party foods (pretzels, cheese platters, popcorn), grilled fish, or creamy pasta dishes.