Ayala Collection No.16 Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV 750ml

Product Info

92pts Wine Advocate
Disgorged in January 2023 with a dosage of 5.4 grams per liter, the 2016 Collection N°16 Blanc de Blancs offers an expressive bouquet of nashi pear, white peach and lily, mingling with lemon zest and quince. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, ample and textural, laden with racy acids and enlivened by a pillowy mousse, before concluding with a long, precise finish. Composed of 50% Chardonnay and 50% heritage varieties—Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc—it is a fleshy and charming Champagne, ideally suited for gastronomic pairings at the table.

Purchased by Bollinger in 2005, this maison today owns 22 hectares of vineyards, cultivated organically since 2022 and officially certified organic as of 2025. In addition, it sources grapes from some 100 growers, representing the equivalent of another 100 hectares. Reflecting Ayala’s steady progress in estate management and its forward-looking approach to viticulture, 80% of these contracted growers have already abandoned the use of herbicides in their vineyards. Since 2022, Ayala’s cellar master has been Julien Gout, who continues the pursuit of elevating the house’s quality. Notably, the house consolidates its entire production process—from must reception to bottling—at a single site in the village of Aÿ.

Vinification takes place in small stainless steel tanks, organized by village, grape variety and even supplier. This approach enables partner growers to taste the vins clairs from their own parcels before they are blended into the maison’s cuvées. Élevage typically lasts around nine months, with all wines undergoing full malolactic fermentation. The winery is preparing for expansion, set to increase its number of vinification tanks from 120 to 200. Recently, the house has also begun vinifying small portions of wine in oak, which will play a role in future blends.

Today, Ayala stands as an increasingly dependable source of vintage wines that highlight Chardonnay—in contrast to Bollinger’s Pinot Noir predominance—and, within the context of major houses, their Champagnes are released with a comparatively low dosage. Even if some Champagnes are obviously stronger than others, the wines would be more captivating if the progress in the vineyards, admirable in itself, could be married with greater precision and depth across the entire range. Published: Oct 02, 2025 Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins

Terroir
Ayala’s Collection No.16 Blanc de Blancs is a focused expression of Chardonnay grown on the chalk-rich slopes of the Côte des Blancs and select crus across Champagne. These vineyards, many classified as Premier and Grand Cru, are rooted in deep, porous chalk soils that retain water while ensuring excellent drainage. This geological foundation imparts the hallmark tension, salinity, and linearity that define the finest Blanc de Blancs.

The cool northern climate, moderated by the insulating qualities of chalk, allows Chardonnay to ripen gradually while preserving striking acidity. Each village contributes a subtle dimension—some lending citrus precision and mineral austerity, others offering breadth and floral lift. Collection No.16 reflects this mosaic of terroirs, emphasizing purity and structural clarity over opulence.

Winemaking
The Collection series at Ayala is designed to highlight individual expressions within the house style, and No.16 places Chardonnay firmly at the center. Each parcel is vinified separately to preserve nuance, primarily in stainless steel to maintain freshness and aromatic definition. Select lots may see oak fermentation to enhance texture without compromising tension.

Following primary fermentation and careful blending, the wine undergoes extended aging on the lees, allowing for the development of fine mousse and layered complexity. Dosage is deliberately restrained, consistent with Ayala’s low-dosage philosophy, ensuring the wine’s mineral backbone remains clear and unmasked. The result is a Champagne of precision and composure, where elegance is achieved through balance rather than excess.

Tasting Notes
Collection No.16 pours a brilliant pale gold, animated by a delicate, persistent bead. The nose is lifted and refined, opening with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, layered with notes of white flowers, crushed chalk, and subtle brioche. As the wine evolves in the glass, hints of almond, fresh cream, and saline minerality emerge.

On the palate, the wine is sleek and focused, defined by vibrant acidity and a finely textured mousse. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors glide across a linear mid-palate, supported by a chalk-driven structure that lends both tension and length. Lees aging contributes a gentle creaminess without diminishing freshness. The finish is long and crystalline, leaving impressions of citrus peel, toasted almond, and stony minerality.

The overall impression is one of clarity and poise—Chardonnay rendered in its most articulate and luminous form.

Food Pairings
This Blanc de Blancs excels with dishes that mirror its precision and lift. It pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, sashimi, scallops, and delicate white fish, where its acidity and minerality enhance natural sweetness. It also complements goat cheese, fresh burrata, or lightly dressed salads featuring citrus and herbs.

For more substantial fare, consider roast chicken with lemon and thyme or seafood risotto. Serve chilled at approximately 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped glass to fully capture the wine’s aromatic nuance and texture.

Cellaring & Longevity
While immediately captivating for its vibrancy and finesse, Ayala Collection No.16 Blanc de Blancs possesses the structure to evolve gracefully. In its youth, it highlights citrus purity and chalk-driven tension. With additional time in bottle, expect the development of toasted brioche, honeyed citrus, and deeper nutty undertones, accompanied by a softer, more integrated texture.

Properly cellared, this wine should drink beautifully over 10–15 years, maintaining both energy and elegance. It stands as a refined statement of Chardonnay in Champagne—precise, mineral-driven, and unmistakably poised.