From: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Melon de Bourgogne
Taste: On the nose, it offers a delightful bouquet of zesty citrus fruits, including lemon and grapefruit, complemented by subtle notes of white blossom, wet rocks, and oyster shells. As you take your first sip, the palate is greeted by a clean, fresh, and mineral-driven experience. Flavors of green apple, lime, and white peach intermingle with a hint of salinity and a whisper of leesy richness, creating a beautifully balanced and complex profile. The wine's zesty acidity and well-integrated minerality provide a long, refreshing finish that lingers on the palate.
Pairing: This gorgeous Muscadet is a versatile wine that complements a wide range of dishes. It is particularly well-suited for seafood dishes, such as oysters, shrimp cocktail, clams, and mussels. Its vibrant acidity and minerality also make it an excellent pairing for light salads, sushi, ceviche, and dishes featuring goat cheese or feta.
When pairing this Muscadet with regional cuisine from the Loire Valley, consider dishes that highlight the area's bounty of seafood and fresh produce. Some classic examples include moules marinières (mussels cooked in white wine), a traditional fish stew called matelote, or a simple plate of oysters served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of crusty French bread.
For vegetarian options, look to dishes that showcase bright and fresh flavors, as well as those that offer a balance of creaminess to complement the wine's acidity. Some excellent choices include a goat cheese and beetroot salad, asparagus risotto, or a savory spinach and gruyère quiche. The wine's minerality and acidity also make it a great match for Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Greek salad or grilled vegetable skewers served with tzatziki sauce.
Grilled Oysters With Lemony Garlic-Herb Butter
By J. Kenji López-Alt
About. When it comes to value, quality, and versatility, look no further than the 2021 La Pepière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie La Pepie from Domaine de la Pepière. Situated in the Pays Nantais region of the Loire Valley, this esteemed winery has been creating organically farmed and chemical-free wines since 1985. With a focus on terroir-driven, site-specific expressions, Domaine de la Pepière crafts wines that embody the richness of their unique granite-rich soils.
Marc Ollivier, the visionary behind Domaine de la Pepière, purchased the estate in 1984 and has since cemented its reputation as one of the top Muscadet producers. Ollivier's dedication to organic farming, natural winemaking, and minimal intervention is a testament to the domaine's commitment to producing wines that truly reflect their origins.
The 2021 La Pepie Muscadet is crafted from 40-year-old Melon de Bourgogne vines grown on granitic soil with interlaced silica, enhancing the wine's freshness. Hand-harvested and fermented in underground vats with natural yeasts, this wine benefits from six months of lees contact, lending depth and complexity to its flavor profile.
In the glass, the La Pepie Muscadet shines with a bright lemon-yellow hue and flashes of green. Aromas of citrus fruits and white blossom greet the nose, while the palate delivers a clean, fresh, and mineral-driven experience. The wine's zesty acidity and subtle richness from sur lie aging make it a superb choice for pairing with seafood dishes such as baked fillets of whiting, tuna and haricots blancs gratin, or crab soufflé.
Domaine de la Pepière's commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, hand harvesting, and natural winemaking processes have not only elevated the reputation of Muscadet wines but have also inspired a new generation of vignerons to explore the potential of the Melon de Bourgogne grape. The La Pepie Muscadet is a testament to the domaine's dedication to creating wines that are true expressions of their terroir.
Perfect for an aperitif, pairing with crunchy greens, fresh seafood, or dishes with white sauce, the 2021 La Pepière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie La Pepie is a wine that truly flexes with food. Its zippy, bright, and fresh character is a no-brainer choice for raw bar favorites or as a delightful cocktail white.
In the world of Muscadet, Domaine de la Pepière is a shining example of the region's potential. The 2021 La Pepie Muscadet showcases the incredible talent and dedication of Marc Ollivier, the "Master of Muscadet." With its exceptional quality and value, this wine is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of Muscadet.
