Ay

Ay (PLZ 51160) ist eine kleine Gemeinde in Frankreich, in der Champagne Region Montagne de Reims. Ay wurde 2016 mit Bisseuil und Mareuil-sur-Ay, zu einer neuen Gemeinde fusioniert, die den Namen Ay-Champagne trägt. Die Ortschaft Ay besteht aus 3923 Einwohnern (Stand 2016). Die neue Gemeinde Ay-Champagne besteht aus 5741 Einwohnern (Stand 2016). Ay befindet sich rund drei Kilometer östlich von Épernay, am rechten Ufer der Marne und des Marne Tals.

Ay carries the status of Champagne classification, as a Grand Cru place. The vineyards of Ay amount to 356 hectares and are planted with 315 hectares, mainly with Pinot Noir. Only about 10 hectares are planted with Pinot Meunier and 31 hectares with Chardonnay. The vineyards start behind the village and extend on relatively steep slopes, high up to 200 m, bordering Dizy and Mutigny. The highest quality grapes grow directly behind Ay, in a gem consisting of slopes, hollows as well as valleys.

The grapes are protected from the wind by the slopes and the place itself, which creates a unique microclimate. Under the protection, the grapes ripen outstandingly. In the middle of the valley, there is the famous single vineyard "Côte aux Enfants", which is owned by the champagne house Bollinger. In smallest quantities, Bollinger produces a varietal Côte aux Enfants still wine, which, however, is very difficult to obtain. The wine is also only made in very good years. Bollinger lets this red wine mature in barrique.

Ay Champagner beeindrucken mit einem guten Alkoholgehalt. Sie sind voll, kräftig, dabei von hoher Finesse, bei elegantem Bukett.