Medium bodied with a lovely, tart, bright sour-cherry note on the palate. A hint of earthiness and tobacco (typical of Cabernet Franc) rounds out this tasty red

At a Glance

• Origin: Muscadet, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal & Type: Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2023
• ABV: 13%
• Vineyard Soil: Granite with gneiss
• USNW Classification: Natural

Tasting Notes & Pairing

• Profile: Medium-bodied with lovely tart, bright sour-cherry notes. Hints of earthiness, tobacco, and dried herbs with a tickle of tannins.
• Food Pairing: Burgers, grilled meats, charcuterie, roasted vegetables.
• Serving Temp: 55-60°F (Slightly chilled)

About the Winemaker

Domaine de la Pépière, founded on a stony hillside above the hamlet of La Pepiere in 1984 by Marc Ollivier (a former engineer), did more than almost any other estate to prove that Muscadet could be a serious, terroir-driven wine. Located in the heart of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine southeast of Nantes, the estate now totals 42 hectares under the stewardship of residing proprietors Rémi Branger and Gwénaëlle Croix.

Over three decades, Marc built the estate parcel by parcel, choosing sites for their terroir rather than convenience, including the famous Clos des Briords parcel. As losses from difficult vintages mounted, he formalized a partnership with two protégés: Rémi Branger, from a local Muscadet winemaking family who joined in 2006 and became partner in 2011, and Gwénaëlle Croix, who after a career change and oenology studies joined in 2013 and became partner in 2014. Marc's last vintage was 2019; he retired to Brittany with his wife Geneviève, though his presence is forever felt.

Farming & Cellar: Marc farmed organically from the start when it was almost unheard of in the region; Rémi pushed the organic conversion and Gwen later introduced biodynamic practices. Traditional methods include hand harvesting, natural yeasts, minimal sulfur, and extended sur-lies élevage lasting two to five years. Wines are Melon de Bourgogne from the bright Pépie to structured, age-worthy cru bottlings like Clisson, Château-Thébaud, Monnières-Saint Fiacre and Gorges—all showcasing the region's varied volcanic and metamorphic bedrock.