Belle Glos Rose Oeil de Perdrix Blanc de Noir

Belle Glos Rose Oeil de Perdrix Blanc de Noir is a Sonoma County rosé made entirely from Pinot Noir, bottled at 13.3% ABV in a 750ml format. Scored 89 points by Wine Enthusiast critic Virginie Boone on the 2020 vintage, this Blanc de Noir stands apart from most rosés because the Pinot Noir grapes are grown specifically with the intention of making rosé — not as a byproduct of red wine production.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.3%  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Blanc de Noir Rosé  |  Winery: Belle Glos, Rutherford, CA

Production & Heritage

Belle Glos produces this rosé by lightly pressing whole clusters of Pinot Noir, extracting just enough skin contact to achieve its signature copper-tinged hue without heavy tannin extraction. The juice undergoes fermentation in French oak barrels and remains in oak for a brief period afterward, adding structure and subtle spice that distinguish it from the stainless-steel-only approach common among commercial rosés. The result is a wine built with intention from vineyard to barrel — a bespoke rosé rather than a winemaking afterthought.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright and expressive, opening with honeysuckle and Asian pear before developing layers of Fuji apple, vanilla, and orange blossom. A faint strawberry and cherry character adds depth, accented by a subtle hint of mint.

Taste: Citrus-driven notes carry from the nose onto the palate, where bright acidity frames flavors of pink grapefruit and lemon zest. Mid-palate, orange creamsicle richness emerges alongside dried apricot and sweet baking spice, while a medium body and soothing texture keep the wine grounded. The French oak influence provides a gentle backbone without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Moderate in length with lingering citrus zest and a whisper of vanilla. The acidity keeps the close fresh and clean, inviting another sip.

How to Drink Oeil de Perdrix

Serve well-chilled, around 45–50°F, in a standard wine glass to allow the aromatic complexity to develop. This rosé is expressive enough to enjoy on its own but works beautifully in food-friendly settings.

• Frosé: The creamsicle richness and bright acidity hold up perfectly when blended frozen with a touch of simple syrup and fresh strawberries.
• French 75 (Rosé variation): Substitute this Blanc de Noir for sparkling wine — its body and citrus notes pair naturally with gin and lemon.
• Rosé Spritz: Combine with a splash of elderflower liqueur and sparkling water for a low-ABV aperitif that highlights the wine's floral character.

Best For

• Gifting a wine lover who already owns a case of Whispering Angel and wants something more structured
• Summer dinner parties where the rosé needs to stand up to grilled foods
• Introducing someone to premium rosé beyond basic Provence styles
• Brunch entertaining where a single bottle can anchor the table through multiple courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oeil de Perdrix taste like? Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix delivers bright citrus flavors — pink grapefruit, lemon zest — alongside orange creamsicle richness, dried apricot, and sweet spice from its French oak aging. The overall profile is fuller-bodied than most rosés, with a medium weight and balanced acidity.

How does Oeil de Perdrix compare to Whispering Angel? Both are popular full-flavored rosés, but Belle Glos takes a distinctly different approach: it uses 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma County and sees French oak, giving it more body and spice complexity than Whispering Angel's lighter, Provence-style profile built on Grenache, Cinsault, and Rolle.

Is Oeil de Perdrix good for sipping on its own? Yes — the layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and medium body make it a rosé that rewards attentive drinking without any food pairing, especially when served well-chilled.

Where is Oeil de Perdrix made? Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix is produced by Belle Glos Wines, based in Rutherford, California, using Pinot Noir sourced from Sonoma County vineyards.

What foods pair well with Oeil de Perdrix? Grilled salmon or seared tuna benefit from the wine's citrus acidity. Soft cheeses like Brie or burrata complement the creamy mid-palate. Charcuterie boards echo the wine's subtle spice. Thai or Vietnamese dishes with lemongrass and ginger mirror the bright aromatics. Stone fruit desserts like peach galette align naturally with the dried apricot notes.

What sizes does Oeil de Perdrix come in? Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Oeil de Perdrix worth the price? This rosé positions in the premium tier, above everyday supermarket rosés but accessible enough for regular enjoyment. The dedicated rosé vineyard sourcing, whole-cluster pressing, and French oak aging justify its step up from entry-level options in the category.

Why Oeil de Perdrix?

The defining differentiator here is intentionality: Belle Glos grows its Pinot Noir specifically for rosé production, meaning the fruit is harvested and handled to optimize this wine rather than diverting juice from a red wine program. That purposeful approach, combined with whole-cluster pressing and French oak fermentation, produces a rosé with more aromatic complexity and textural weight than most in its class. The 89-point Wine Enthusiast score on the 2020 vintage confirms that the method delivers. For drinkers who find lighter Provence-style rosés too ephemeral, Oeil de Perdrix fills a genuine gap — full-flavored, structured, and unmistakably Californian.