Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle tasting notes and review
One of the most interesting Champagnes we have tasted lately is the Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle, a varietal Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs), which however is not a classic rosé, rather it is just freshly dyed, amber-colored sparkling wine.
We are in the heart of one of the most prestigious crus of Champagne, in the village of Bouzy, a grand cru of imperishable fame, the temple of Pinot Noir, once famous for this type of wine, called Oeil de Perdrix (partridge eye). In practice they make a slightly longer maceration, so the contact with the skins dyes the wine with this splendid pigmentation.
The flavor is fabulous, the pulp and acidity are sky-high, the saltiness is explosive, but the permanence on the yeasts has rounded the wild charm of Pinot Noir, bringing it to reason, channeling it into a splendid “evolutionary path”.
It is a wine without half measures: it is elegant but full of citrus suggestions that bite, it is a continuous succession of sword blows. Of course, it is also fine, but never smug or “too carried” by yeasts. Let’s say that the base of the Pinot Noir has been carved, but left free to express itself.
How Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle is made?
Merit of Bouzy’s soil, a giant iceberg of plaster, so we will find all this amazing minerality in the wine, translated into great finesse. The harvest is made by hand, then soft pressing with brief contact between must and skins and aging on the lees for at least 3 years. The result is spectacular.
Bouquet of the Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle
Complex and enveloping nose, always played on the dark and pungent tones of Pinot Noir that lose themselves in the coils of yeasts, warmer, buttery, with the scent of sugared almonds and brioche. Endless marine and citrus notes. The complexity, the persistence and the elegance of the aromatic framework are fabulous, everything is declined with naturalness and impeccable precision.
What does Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle taste like?
Sapid and very fresh, crunchy on the alternating mineral layers. The flesh is splendid, sharp, but endowed with refined elegance and measure. The yeasts have smoothed and amalgamated the soft and hard parts and are an excellent binder. It is an exciting Champagne, very powerful, but never rude. On the palate, it flows with pleasantness and persistence. Drinkability is skyrocketing. Long finish of flowers and almonds with grapefruit that vanish in wild strawberries. More than a wine, it is a masterpiece of typicality and elegance.
Price of Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle
40 euros: worth up to the last penny.
Champagne Oeil de Perdrix by Jean Vesselle food pairings
White meats, shellfish or a spectacular dish such as the Ciabattoni, potatoes, seafood, bottarga and cedar sauce by chef Alberto Faccani. Chicken Cacciatore, Vitello Tonnato, truffle risotto, pasta alla carbonara ore good too.