Ayala was founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala in Aÿ, one of Champagne’s historic Grand Cru villages. The house became known early for a drier style of Champagne, including a low-dosage “Dry Champagne” introduced in 1865, at a time when many Champagnes were much sweeter. Ayala was also among the historic Grandes Marques houses, with its reputation growing strongly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.