When it comes to Muscadet, most insiders would agree that Domaine de la Pepiere is about as good as it gets.
Their 2022 La Pepie, while being their entry-point wine, offers a wonderful introduction to Pepiere's "house style" and to the Melon de Bourgogne grape. It is the quintessential white wine to enjoy with oysters and other shellfish preparations.
2022 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet ‘La Pepie’
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In recent years, things have changed at this famed Loire Valley estate. Founder Marc Ollivier retired in 2019, but don't worry, the estate is still in very capable hands. Remi Branger and Gwenaelle Croix, who trained under Marc for a number of years, are now running the show, and the wines are as good as ever.
This is not a basic white wine, not at all. The core component comes from certified organic estate vineyards in the Clisson cru, some of the finest terroir in the AOC. The balance comes from the highly-prized Thebaud cru as well as some purchased fruit from a nearby organic farmer friend.
Hand harvesting and sorting, native yeast fermentations, and long aging on the lees result in a very substantial and satisfying white wine. Bone dry, quite lively, and deeply mineralic, this showcases crystalline notes of green apple, pear, citrus zest, and orange peel.
Being that the Muscadet AOC is very close to the Atlantic, there's a natural saline minerality present here. Yes, the minerality in Muscadet smells and tastes of the sea, and this brininess is why Muscadet is so good with oysters and other creatures of the sea :)
For lovers of very dry, relatively low alcohol, and un-oaked whites, you really need to work Muscadet into your rotation. If you can't find oysters, go with shrimp or mussels or a low country boil. My mouth is watering just thinking about it....
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Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville