Ayala, Brut Majeur Extra Age, Champagne, France

Benefiting from at least 48 months' ageing, one year longer than the house’s already impressive Brut Majeur cuvée, this is a marked step up. A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier with a dosage of 7g/L, this is elegant and complex, flavours of bruised apple and ripe pear at the fore being given life by fine and energetic bubbles. Seriously characterful, refreshing and quaffable.