Non Vintage (NV)Ayala Rose Majeur Brut (Champagne) – 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier grapes
“Delicious as an aperitif, Brut Majeur is also the perfect wine to serve throughout an entire meal. It pairs perfectly with seafood: terrines, scallops, lobster, crab and fish, especially salmon. Brut Majeur also goes extremely well with beef Carpaccio, white meats, stews and white pudding (“boudin blanc”). Soft and moldy cheeses such as Boursault, Coulommiers, Chaource, Brie and Brillat-Savarin are rich accompaniments. Fruit based desserts such as crumbles and tarts pair well with Brut Majeur as do desserts with almond paste and frangipane pastries such as the French “Galette des Rois”. snooth.com Wine Spectator rating: 88
NV Jaillance Cremant de Bourgogne Brut (Burgundy) – 80% Chardonnay plus small amounts of Pinot Noir & Gamay grapes
“The Jaillance Crémant de Bourgogne vineyards are in the Mâcon region. The vines are married to the hillsides in this southern Burgundy region and enjoy a continental climate with hot and dry summers alternating with hard winters. It has a pretty pale golden yellow robe and fine and abundant foam. Notes of citrus, autumn fruits and quince are mixed with the typical fresh butter notes of the chardonnay. These flavours are found on the palate and provide it with both depth and length. Try this with Charcuterie or Bruschetta.” winemessenger.com
NV Ayala Zero Dosage Brut (Champagne) – 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier grapes“The NV Brut is always the best expression of the elegance of a great Champagne House. AYALA takes every step to make it one of the finest champagnes. To show the exceptional quality of our Brut Majeur, AYALA has created, “Zéro Dosage”. Zero Dosage is exactly the same blend as our Brut Majeur but with absolutely no dosage: a quality wine expressed in its most pure style.” www.snooth.com Wine Spectator rating: 88
1999 Charles Gardet, Cuvee Charles Gardet (Champagne) – blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir grapes“The 1999 Vintage is from “Premier and Grand cru” vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and in the Cote de Blancs where the soil is chalky. The Cuvee is two thirds Chardonnay and one third Pinot Noir. Visual: fine elegant bubbles – colour pale gold, which will deepen with time. Nose: fine and complex with flowery aromas. Taste: a good balance of freshness and roundness. Tasting Recommendation: Drink at a temperature of 10-12 degrees to fully appreciate the wine. This Champagne, at the beginning of its maturity, is best appreciated as an aperitif, but, if kept properly, away from light at 10-15 degrees Celsius, this Vintage will develop over 4 -5 years to surprise & delight the patient wine-lover, giving great pleasure well into the 21st century!” grahampagewine.com