Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Clisson by Domaine de la Pépière

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: white flower, lemon zest, stone, almond

Palate: citrus, saline texture, stone fruit, creamy lees

Cru Communal Muscadet from 60-year-old vines on gravel, clay, sand and granite. Originally called Granite de Clisson; 24+ months on lees give the cuvée structural depth.

What it pairs with

Lobster ravioli
Shellfish sweetness meets the wine's creamy lees and saline-mineral lift.
Sole grenobloise
Caper-and-lemon brown butter sauce meets the wine's chalky drive and stony lift.
Plateau de fruits de mer
Full saline mineral handles oysters, langoustines, whelks and crab in a single sip.
Aged Comté
Hazelnut crystallisation in 24+ month Comté finds the wine's creamy lees and almond aromatic.

History

Clisson became one of the Sèvre et Maine Cru Communaux in 2011 after years of producer advocacy. Pépière's bottling from 60-year-old vines was an early example of the cuvée class.

2005 — Single-vineyard Clisson bottling established
2011 — Clisson recognised as a Cru Communal of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

Facts

Producer: Domaine de la Pépière
Grapes: Melon de Bourgogne (100%)
Classification: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC (Clisson Cru Communal)
Oak: Vinified and aged on lees in underground glass-lined vats for at least 24 months, no oak
ABV: 12.5%
Price: EUR 28 to 45 at retail
Drinking window: 3-15 from vintage
First vintage: 2005
Organic: ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Scores

Vinous 93 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2022)

Frequently asked about Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Clisson

What does Pépière Clisson taste like?

White flower, lemon zest, stone and almond on the nose; citrus, saline texture, stone fruit and creamy lees on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.

When should I drink Pépière Clisson?

Drink between 3 and 15 years from vintage. The 24+ months of lees ageing and 60-year-old vines give the cuvée structural depth that rewards 5 to 10 years in cellar.

What is a Cru Communal Muscadet?

Cru Communaux are a top classification within Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, recognised from 2011. Clisson, Gorges, Le Pallet, Monnières-Saint-Fiacre, Mouzillon-Tillières, Château-Thébaud, La Haie-Fouassière and Goulaine are the eight Cru Communaux.

Is Pépière Clisson vegan?

Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents.

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Clisson