Launois "Oeil de Perdrix" Brut Champagne

Notes

The Launois "Oeil de Perdrix" Brut Champagne is a blanc de noir of Pinot Noir comes from the Chantmerle vineyard in the village of Sézanne proper and is fermented entirely in enamel lined steel tanks. The name means “partridges’ eye” and refers to the very short maceration the juice gets with the skins, giving it a blush that is more golden than pink. The bouquet reminds me of a great panettone; not only does it have buttery bread aromas, but also dried red fruits and roasted nuts. In the mouth it is round and trop facile à boire, too easy to drink but the finish is dry and long. This is a great champagne on its own but will also go very well with salmon! -Gary Westby, K&L