Ayala has recently unveiled its 2015 vintage of the Perle Extra Brut Champagne, which launched in January 2025. Known for its signature light and bright style, this vintage features a blend primarily focused on Chardonnay—at least 50%—a nod to the house’s historical preference dating back to its founder Edmond de Ayala in 1860, despite being located in Aÿ, an area more renowned for Pinot Noir.
The 2015 vintage presented challenges due to a hot summer marked by drought, resulting in water stress that affected many wines’ structure. Ayala’s cellar master, Julian Gout, described the growing conditions, noting that the potential alcohol level was unexpectedly higher than usual at 10%, while many grapes showed some vegetal notes. Despite this, the successful blend was achieved primarily using wines from the Côte des Blancs, which experienced less hydric stress.
The Chardonnay components include grands crus from Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil, and Oger, which contribute distinct characteristics like balance, freshness, minerality, and intensity. The remaining 20% consists of Pinot Noir from Aÿ, providing the wine with structure.
Gout, who took over as cellar master in 2022, emphasizes creating pure and balanced wines through stainless steel fermentation and minimal dosage. The 2015 Perle, having spent eight years on its lees, represents a careful blend crafted from historically significant grands crus, presenting an essential approach to long-aged Champagne.
This release of Perle marks its 13th iteration since its inception in 1990. For the first time, "extra brut" is prominently labeled to signify its low dosage level clearly, helping to establish it as the house’s prestige cuvée. The 2015 Perle will hit the market in two batches, with the second one expected in 2026.
Tasting notes reveal a wine with a delicate lemon aroma, characterized by a slender and linear palate that leans into a raciness rather than a heavy autolytic character. While it may lack a bit of concentration in the mid-palate, its clarity and purity shine through, earning a rating of 92.