2023 Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Briords Vieilles Vignes

WINEMAKER: Rémi Branger & Gwénaëlle Croix
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETY: Melon de Bourgogne
VITICULTURE: Organic

"First produced in 1988, the Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet "Briords Vieilles Vignes" is made from a three hectare parcel of old massale-selection vines (all over 60 years old, with a high percentage much older) on a slope above the Maine. The bedrock is Granite de Château Thébaud, a fissured rock that allows the vines to penetrate deeply, with ideal thin topsoils of clay with sand and gravel allowing good drainage. The 2023 "Briords" is a beautiful young Muscadet, with a bit more grip and density than the previous few years. This superb granite-based wine belongs in your fridge and in your cellar, but don't be in a hurry to drink it." - Chambers St Wines

Domaine de la Pépière in Maisdon sur Sèvre in the Muscadet, is one of the greatest estates of the Loire Valley. The reputation comes from the vibrancy and density of the wines which reflect their terroir, mostly decomposed Granite, Gabbro and Gniess. There are 28 hectares of vines; about 8 hectares lie on the granite of Clisson in the more southerly part of the appellation, another 12 hectares further north, on the granite of Château Thébaud; both of which contain veins of metamorphic gneiss with amphibolite stones. Recently there is also wine from the commune of Gorges which will complement their range of Muscadet Cru Communal beautifully. Domaine de la Pépière is a standout in the region for several reasons. Access to old vines - the vines are old, some over 70 years and all are planted 'selection massale'. Selection massale is an ancient and laborious method of replanting by taking the cuttings from the old and best vines. It takes about four years to produce a quarter of the number of vines of the initial cuttings.