Perle d'Ayala 2012

Perle d'Ayala is the house's prestige cuvée and comes exclusively from grands crus. The 2012 vintage is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. The wine spent more than eight years in the cellar, sealed with a natural cork. The cork allows a slight exchange with the air and so encourages the development of complex aromas. Disgorgement is still done by hand.

In the glass the champagne has a fine mousse, and the nose is expressive and layered. On the palate a clear minerality and minty freshness come to the fore, carried by great purity and a long finish. Pour it at around 10 to 12 °C in a large white wine glass. At the table it goes with beef tataki, duck breast or a leg of lamb braised for seven hours. For dessert, a plum tart is a good match. The bottle is delivered in a wooden box, which is included in the price.