The King Pinot Noir
Brut Vintage - Low dosage
The 1999 vintage and the harvest
1999 was granted very good climatic conditions: from budding to flower, the development of the
grapes was quick and safe. From June 10 to 13, the flower season was short and perfect. During the
summer season, heavy showers alternated with hot weather.
In spite of heavy rainfalls during harvest, the result was impressive as far as both quality and
quantity were concerned. The allowed yield was 13 000 kg per hectare, 1 000 kg of which were
devoted to the qualitative reserve.
The alcohol degree was over 10. This harvest reminds us of 1970 where the volume & the quality were both splendid. 1999 is another great Vintage for champagne lovers !
Tasting notes
As a major characteristic of the vintage, Pinot Noir shows a lot of strength and vinosity to which
Chardonnay brings a nice touch of freshness.
Some lovely well developed aromas of honey, acacia, toast and chestnut, very Pinot Noir.
A very good structure of the wine, quite intense but definitely not heavy.
Superb bouquet and fabulous on the palate: this vintage is one of the best of the 1990’s.
The blend
Made nearly only with Grands Crus grapes (there are only 17 Grand Cru villages, rated 100%,
out of the 326 crus in the Champagne region).
Pinot noir accounts for 80% of the blend: Aÿ (cru 100%) and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (cru 99%)
It gives the wine its vinosity and strength.
Chardonnay (20%) gives a superb touch of elegance and finesse. The crus are le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Chouilly (one third each, all top Grands Crus rated 100%).
Ageing
This wine has been aged for more than 6 years in our cellars.
Technical characteristics
- Alcohol : 12,5
- Acidity : 4,10
- PH : 3,04
- Dosage : 4,5 g/l
Pairing with food
For a friendly aperitif or a special occasion, or to accompany a capon with mushrooms (morilles),
game birds, grilled or braised fish, fine cheeses.
Ayala Vintage will also pair very well with scallops in sauce, foie gras or lamb.
Conservation
5 to 10 years