Our bubbles this month hail from of course Champagne, France but more specifically the region of Bouzy. Domaine Jean Vesselle grows its own grapes and makes its own wine all on site. This lends to ultimate flavor and character. The family has an affinity to Pinot Noir, 90% of their vineyard are planted with Pinot Noir the other 10% is Chardonnay. The vines are cared for according to the lutte raisonée ('the reasoned struggle'). Dom. Jean Vesselle practice organic farming techniques and avoids chemicals-vineyard rows are plowed to avoid herbicides. In an effort to reduce its energy footprint the estate uses solar energy and recycles rainwater.
The vines are grown in the chalk of Montagne de Reims. (one of the 5 subregions in Champagne.)
Grapes are harvested by hand and pressed gently-then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless tanks. A second fermentation happens in the bottle (méthode Champenoise).
This month I'm bringing you the Brut 'Oeil de Perdrix'. Oeil de Perdrix translates to "eye of the partridge". The wine's has is like the color of a partridge's eye. The grapes are macerated less than 24 hours (for color) and then pressed; fermented on indigenous yeasts. This champagne is aged for 3 years in the bottle. Tasting notes read: "aromas of red roses, orange zest, white pepper and light herbs. Medium bodied." I tasted a red berries and a little pepper on the finish.