Ayala Brut Nature / Gift Box

Mei-Lin Wu — Nice but takes getting used to

7/10

The guy at the wine shop recommended this as a "zero dosage" Champagne which basically means no added sugar. It's very clean and sharp, almost too dry for me at first but it grew on me through the bottle. Decent with some cheese and crackers but I think I still prefer something a touch softer.

Aria Kim — Proper treat for NYE

9/10

Bought this for New Year's Eve and it was a hit. Really dry and crisp — no sweetness at all which I loved. For under £40 you're getting proper Champagne that doesn't taste like it's trying too hard. Would definitely buy again.

Marco Andretti — Bit steep but it's quality

7/10

Saw Ayala on a restaurant menu ages ago and finally tracked a bottle down. It's good — really well balanced and more interesting than your average Champagne — but £38 is creeping into "do I need this" territory for a non-vintage. That said the zero-sugar thing means it tastes super clean with no cloying aftertaste, so I get why people rate it.