Champagne AYALA
Harvest Report 2026
Tribute to Nature
Early, contrasting and marked by exceptional ripeness, the 2026 harvest opens a new chapter for Champagne AYALA. A remarkable illustration of the vineyard's resilience in the face of climatic challenges, the growing season was shaped by frost, heat and drought. Despite yields falling below expectations, the quality of the grapes reflects the commitment of our partner winegrowers and the AYALA teams, while the new winery on our historic site in Aÿ-Champagne welcomed its very first harvest. With a harvest beginning 8 to 10 days earlier than in 2025, which had already set the record for the earliest harvest in Champagne over the past forty years, 2026 stands out as an exceptional year. Picking started on August 10 in Montgueux and the Sézannais region, during the fifth heatwave of the season.
AN INTENSE GROWING SEASON
Following a mild winter, the vines awakened early. Three successive spring frost events left their mark on the vineyard, causing significant yield losses in certain areas.
Despite these conditions, flowering occurred early, while several heatwaves and limited rainfall throughout the season heightened water stress and restricted grape development.
A HIGH LEVEL OF MATURITY
Harvested in perfect sanitary condition, the grapes received by the House displayed outstanding ripeness, reaching up to 12.61% potential alcohol, levels rarely observed in Champagne.
The first tastings revealed highly promising musts, combining maturity and aromatic expression, with strong potential for the vinifications ahead.
A GROWING DIVERSITY OF TERROIRS
Champagne AYALA received grapes from 79 crus, with a majority of Chardonnay, the House’s emblematic grape variety. This figure has increased from 73 crus in 2025, reflecting the House’s commitment to perpetuating the vision of its founder, Edmond de AYALA, through a passionate dedication to the diversity of Champagne’s Terroirs.
This richness is made possible thanks to the trust of more than 130 partner growers, whose ongoing commitment, alongside the AYALA teams, helps preserve the identity and quality of the House’s wines year after year.
A NEW WINERY TO SUPPORT THIS UNIQUE DIVERSITY AND REVEAL THE TERROIRS
After two years of construction, Champagne AYALA welcomed its first harvest in the new winery. Designed to better showcase the growing diversity of the House’s crus, the facility is equipped with a wider range of vessels, including 120 micro-vats dedicated to micro-vinification, complemented by larger stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels.
