Coteaux Champenois Blanc Œil de Perdrix 2022

Wine Description for Coteaux Champenois Blanc Œil de Perdrix 2022 by Jérôme Blin

Colour & Appearance

A whisper of colour, barely more. The Œil de Perdrix – the eye of the partridge – aptly describes what appears in the glass: a delicate, almost ghostly pale pink, born from the careful white pressing of Pinot Meunier. A wine that barely reveals its nature.

Nose

Restrained, almost introverted – and therein lies its charm. The nose shows pencil shavings and aniseed, along with a fleeting hint of candyfloss, which is immediately replaced by fresh lemon and grapefruit. Not a loud wine, but one that rewards patience.

Palate

On the palate, an ethereal, almost meditative lightness unfolds. Bone-dry, with a clear, precise acidity structure that gives the wine contour and direction. A perceptible tannin grip reminds us that red grapes are at play here. Alongside the dominant citrus notes, crumbly apple notes, a hint of honeycomb, fine sea salt and white pepper emerge – complex, yet never overwrought.

Finish

Long, saline, with persistent citrus freshness and a mineral aftertaste that unmistakably reveals Champagne as its origin.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A pure Pinot Meunier – a variety regarded in Champagne as a silent player in cuvées, yet here it shines as a soloist. Aged in clay vessel and barrel, a combination that lends texture and depth without masking the natural freshness. Only 190 bottles were produced – a wine for the curious.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The vibrant acidity and subtle tannin grip make this wine an ideal companion to oysters, grilled turbot or a classic roast chicken. Also a delightful choice with goat’s cheese or a simple bouillabaisse.

Special Features

Coteaux Champenois – the still wines of Champagne – often languish in the shadow of the sparkling classics of the region. Jérôme Blin’s Œil de Perdrix is a plea for greater attention: distinctive, crafted with precision and of a rarity that makes it a small treasure.