Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine sur Lie La Pepie 2023

750ml

Overview

Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie La Pépié 2023 is a classic representation of Muscadet, a wine from the Loire Valley that is renowned for its crispness, minerality, and excellent food-pairing abilities. Produced by one of the leading estates in the region, Domaine de la Pépière, this wine is crafted with a focus on quality, terroir, and tradition. The “sur lie” aging method, where the wine spends time on its lees after fermentation, imparts additional texture and complexity to the wine, making it a well-balanced, vibrant expression of the Melon de Bourgogne grape.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes for La Pépié are hand-harvested from vines planted in the mineral-rich soils of the Sèvre-et-Maine subregion. After harvest, the grapes undergo a gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir.
• Aging: The wine is aged on its lees ("sur lie") for several months, which enriches the texture and mouthfeel, adding subtle flavors of yeast and bread. The lees aging also contributes to the wine's body and roundness, balancing its natural acidity.
• Bottling: Bottled without filtration, La Pépié preserves its natural qualities and showcases the full expression of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine presents a pale, clear yellow color with green tinges, reflecting its youth and freshness.
• Aroma: The nose is fresh and expressive, with bright citrus notes of lemon and lime, complemented by green apple and delicate white flower aromas. There are underlying mineral notes of wet stone and a slight salinity, which is characteristic of Muscadet wines. Subtle hints of bread and yeast from the sur lie aging add complexity.
• Palate: On the palate, La Pépié is light and refreshing, with a crisp acidity that gives the wine great vibrancy. The citrus and green apple flavors are complemented by a subtle minerality and a touch of creaminess from the lees aging. The finish is clean, long, and refreshing, with a slight saline edge that leaves a lasting impression.

Food Pairing

This Muscadet is an ideal partner for seafood dishes, particularly oysters, shellfish, and grilled fish. It also pairs well with light salads, goat cheese, and dishes like mussels or seafood pasta. The crisp acidity and minerality make it an excellent match for fresh seafood and delicate dishes.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 8–10°C (46–50°F) to fully appreciate the wine’s freshness and its crisp, clean finish.
• Decanting: No decanting is necessary for this wine, though allowing it to breathe for a few minutes can help release its full aromatic profile.

Aging Potential

While Muscadet is often enjoyed young to capture its freshness, La Pépié 2023 has some aging potential, and can be cellared for 3–5 years. As it ages, the wine will develop greater complexity and depth, though it will still maintain its crisp, mineral character.