Jean Vesselle Brut Oel de Perdrix NV

The orange-pink color of this "eye of the partridge" Pinot Noir-based wine historically was the hue of most Champagne made in Bouzy in the nineteenth century. (The wine’s singular hue is like the color of a partridge’s eye.) Pinot Noir grapes are macerated briefly to extract color then pressed. Pink roses, lavender, wild strawberry and pomegranate.

The latest rendition of Vesselle's NV Brut Oeil de Perdrix is excellent, displaying a beautiful hue that lives up to its name and equally appealing aromas of minty red apples, mandarin and dried white flowers. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a youthfully frothy mousse, ripe acids and an enveloping but racy profile, concluding with a saline finish. This is a gastronomic rosé that might well be served with food.