More Muscadet! 2023 Pépière "Les Gras Moutons;" Last Call for 2019 Chateau Thébaud!
Les Gras Moutons is a great parcel on gneiss, in layers that permit a deep penetration by the vines, with sandy clay and amphibolite stones. The vines are at the top of a hill and on the south facing slope overlooking the Maine. (The name, by the way, does not refer to fat sheep, despite their presence on the label, but rather in local dialect, to the hilltop vineyard site.) This terroir produces lovely, classic Muscadet to drink young or after short-term cellaring of 5 to 10 years. Obtained from Remi Branger's family, the vineyard first appeared in the 2009 Pépière "Cuvée Eden" and was first bottled separately in 2010 or 2011. While a bit "softer" and more forward than the wines from granite soils, the superb quality of the gneiss terroir was evident from the beginning and the recent vintages from Rémi and Gwénaëlle at Pépière have been outstanding.
Here is Chris Kissack on the very lovely 2023: "This longstanding member of the Pépière portfolio is the domaine’s foray into gneiss, the vines situated in the lieu-dit of Les Gras Moutons, downstream in Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine. I like the incisive minerally elements I find on the nose here, as they feel classic and refined. The palate follows on in the same vein, light-footed, dancing along with veins of crushed rocks, dried citrus, thyme flower and fresh peel. Energetic, driven, wrapped in ribbons of acidity, this is classically styled, lively and fresh. Great potential." Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next 5 - 8 years.
