Edmond de Ayala, descendent of a Spanish aristocrat, started his career in 1855 within the small champagne house of Mr d’Albrecht in Aÿ, a small town close to Reims in the champagne area of France. Edmond fell in love with Gabrielle d’Albrecht who brought him, as a dowry, the castle of Aÿ and vineyards located in Aÿ and Mareuil. He then started and developed his own House. Edmond’s knowledge of the champagne business, learned from his past years as well as his energy and passion soon placed the House of Ayala among the “Grandes Marques” of Champagne. Ayala is a member of the “Syndicat des Grandes Marques since the house was founded in 1882. The House changed hands many times over the years and on 1 January 2005 Jacques Bollinger, impressed by the quality of Ayala’s wines, took over. Ayala is now owned by Société Jacques Bollinger, owned by the Bollinger family. Located in Aÿ, in the very heart of Champagne, Ayala has remained like a small jewel. It’s relatively limited production and the passion of the team, are key factors for an outstanding quality. Ayala “2008 Producer of the Year” and Ayala Cuvée Rosé Nature “2008 Wine of the Year” as chosen by Ed McCarthy, US Wine Writer “I really like the style of Ayala’s Champagnes now : clean, precise, with minimum to zero dosage – exactly what I’m looking for in a Champagne….”