2022 Domaine de la Pépière 'Briords' Vieilles Vignes, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

In 2014, Rémi Branger and business partner Gwénaëlle Croix took the reins of the 42-hectare Domaine de la Pépière, previously under Marc Ollivier's ownership. They own great vineyards in the crus of Clisson, Château Thébaud, Gorges, and Monnières-Saint-Fiacres. These crus communaux expressions make up 15% of the production and showcase the estate's prowess. Notable care is dedicated to these wines: 80% of the vineyards are organic, grapes are hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed (uncommon in Muscadet), wild ferments, and no sulfur until post-fermentation. The wines express their terroir with impressive concentration, fruit clarity, and refined structure. Why do we like it?  Domaine de la Pépière stands out for old vines propagated via selection massale. Their flagship 2022 Briords, grown on granodiorite, is vibrant and exquisite. Since its establishment in 1984, this estate maintains a tradition of excellence, and recent stewardship by Rémi Branger and Gwénaëlle Croix continues the legacy. Their commitment to old techniques and access to old vines make them one of the greatest estates in the region, resulting in wines suited for extended aging. Full of lemon zest, white pear and green apple, you will be strike by the freshness but also by the mineral and floral aromatics of this wine, the palate is lifted by acidity with a salty tang and saline finish.    Grape            Melon de Bourgogne Country        France                                  Region          Loire Valley Vintage         2022