« We chose Amcor, the leading hood manufacturer, not only because of the quality of their hoods, but also because the group is driven by a strong SER program, which is crucial for our House in today’s world.. » Caroline Latrive, Cellar Master, Champagne Ayala.
CHAMPTOP
Portrait Could you, in a few words, tell us about your Domaine and its defining characteristics? Champagne AYALA is one of the longest-established Champagne Houses. It was founded in 1860 in Aÿ, at the heart of the Grands Crus.
Today, Chardonnay holds a central place in my blends, it is the emblematic grape of the House. Each cuvée is marked by its elegance and the singularity of a place where all is crafted on site, with a preserved know-how. All the steps in elaborating champagne take place on location, from a diversity of crus unique in Champagne . We follow a principle of micro-vinification in stainless steel tanks in order to reveal the raw material in its pure state, without artifices. At Champagne AYALA, blending is an art, and purity a signature What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Harvest season remains a special time. We’re given fruit that comes from nature and human labor, a genuine and real passing down. And it falls to me to bring this raw material to its full potential, all while fully respecting it. It’s a beautiful responsibility. Then comes my favorite stage- blending -a time of introspection and reflection for the selection that will be made for producing the different cuvées.
Why did you decide to use our Amcor’s hoods for your wines? We chose Amcor, the leading hood manufacturer, not only because of the quality of their hoods, but also because the group is driven by a strong SER program, which is crucial for our House in today’s world. We want to favor local partners for every stage of our wine-making process, and since they are only 2km away, it would be hard to find something closer.. And finally, Amcor is one of our House’s trusted partners and we have a longstanding relationship with them. Other than Champagne, what are your favorite PDO wines? I’m especially fond of Burgundy wines, which are subtle and delicate wines, a wonderful expression of the richness and diversity of its terroirs. In terms of tasting, what has most recently caught your attention? An old Champagne vintage, 1914. Contrary to what one might expect, it is a wine that is still «lively,» with a bouquet of beeswax, honey, and candied orange, and then a palate with some subtle reactions This tasting was a very emotional experience, particularly when you think of the year of the vintage and contextualize when it was made.
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