Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2018: best 2021 to 2036.
vintage3 yrs18 yrs20 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Decanter reviewed 2022201892/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: smoke, wet stone, lemon zest, white flower

Palate: citrus, saline texture, stony minerality, structured frame

Cru Communal Muscadet from gabbro, a decomposed blue-green igneous rock unique to Gorges. Smoky, structured and intensely mineral, age-worthy beyond a decade.

What it pairs with

  • Lobster thermidor
    Creamy gratin shellfish demands the wine's structure, smoky lift and saline texture.
  • Smoked salmon
    Smoke-on-smoke between cured fish and gabbro Muscadet; chalky finish lifts cream cheese.
  • Sole bonne femme
    Mushroom-shallot cream sauce meets the wine's structured frame and saline lift.
  • Roquefort with walnut
    Blue cheese salt and walnut depth find a partner in the wine's smoky structure and stony minerality.

History

Gorges is the only area in the Muscadet featuring gabbro soils. The wines have a unique structure compared to the rest of the region. Pépière owns parcels within the AOC.

  1. 2005: Single-vineyard Gorges bottling established
  2. 2011: Gorges recognised as a Cru Communal of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

Facts

Producer
Domaine de la Pépière · visiting guide
Grapes
Melon de Bourgogne (100%)
Classification
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC (Gorges 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
3-18 from vintage
First vintage
2005
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Gorges

What does Pépière Gorges taste like?

Smoke, wet stone, lemon zest and white flower on the nose; citrus, saline texture, stony minerality and structured frame on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, smoky finish.

When should I drink Pépière Gorges?

Drink between 3 and 18 years from vintage. The gabbro structure and 24+ months on lees give the cuvée long ageing capacity; mature bottles develop honey, smoke and waxy texture.

What is gabbro?

Gabbro is a decomposed blue-green igneous rock found only in Gorges within Muscadet. It gives wines their unique structural depth and smoky character.

Is Pépière Gorges vegan?

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

Tags

cellar worthy dry high acid iconic medium body melon de bourgogne mood contemplative mood elegant mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with oily fish pairs with shellfish pairs with white fish price trade up single vineyard still white vegan

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