Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Les Gras Moutons 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Marc Ollivier grew up in the little helmet of Pepiere which comes from the Old French word “pépie” meaning “thirst”. As he developed as a winemaker he became fascinated with the complex local terroir and made it his mission to interpret this through the wines of Domaine de la Pepiere which he founded in 1984. Marc was one of the first here to bottle by individual cru and helped lay the groundwork for later classifications. Today the domaine operates according to organic and biodynamic principles to preserve the land for the next generations. This cuvee showcases the 1.7 hectare lieu-dit of “Les Gras Moutons” which is set on a south-facing slope over the Maine river. The vines here are 20-70 years old and grow on fantastic gneiss and clay soils which help create intense, mineral-driven whites. Harvesting is done by hand with the grapes spontaneously fermented in large cement or stainless steel tanks. They stay here for 8-9 months with regular battonage or lees stirring to increase the complexity of the final cuvee. The result is a dynamic, harmonised white that’s bursting with crisp lemon, ripe pear and hints of stony minerality and white flowers. The mouthwatering freshness and creamy texture make it a great partner for seafood, seared scallops or grilled fish.