2019 Doyard "Œil de Perdrix" Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France

The 2019 Œil de Perdrix is a distinctive Grand Cru rosé Champagne from the family-owned Champagne Doyard, crafted from old-vine Pinot Noir grown in the prestigious Grand Cru village of Aÿ. The name Œil de Perdrix, meaning "eye of the partridge," refers to the wine's delicate pale salmon hue, achieved through a brief period of skin contact before pressing rather than blending with red wine.

The 2019 vintage displays exceptional freshness and purity, offering aromas of wild berries, red currant, pink grapefruit, white flowers, crushed chalk, toasted almond, and freshly baked brioche. On the palate, fine, persistent bubbles carry layers of vibrant red fruit, citrus, subtle spice, and saline minerality. Its Extra Brut dosage preserves remarkable precision and allows the vineyard's chalk-rich terroir to shine with clarity and elegance.

The fruit is hand-harvested from sustainably farmed Grand Cru vineyards and gently pressed to extract only the most delicate color and aromatics. Fermentation takes place primarily with indigenous yeasts in neutral oak barrels, followed by extended aging on the lees to develop complexity and texture. Minimal dosage and careful cellar practices ensure a transparent expression of both vintage and site.

While captivating in its youth, the wine possesses the structure and balance to evolve gracefully over the next decade, gaining additional complexity while retaining its vibrant energy.

Food Pairings: Oysters, tuna tartare, lobster, sashimi, roasted poultry, duck breast, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, or soft-ripened cheeses.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Champagne Doyard is a highly regarded grower-producer based in Vertus, in the Côte des Blancs, with family roots in Champagne dating back to the 17th century. Today, the estate is led by Guillaume Doyard, whose thoughtful stewardship has elevated the domaine's reputation for producing terroir-focused Champagnes of exceptional precision and elegance.

The estate farms a collection of Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards using sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, emphasizing healthy soils, low yields, and meticulous vineyard work. In the cellar, Doyard favors native yeast fermentations, restrained use of oak, extended lees aging, and low dosage, allowing each cuvée to faithfully express its vineyard origin and vintage character.

Known for crafting wines of remarkable purity, energy, and mineral definition, Champagne Doyard has become one of the region's most respected artisanal producers. The Œil de Perdrix Grand Cru Extra Brut beautifully exemplifies the house philosophy, combining the elegance of traditional grower Champagne with the depth and individuality of one of Champagne's finest terroirs.