Cabernet Franc, Domaine de la Pépière 'La Pépiè'

100% Cabernet Franc

Only 3 of Pépière's 43 certifed-biodynamic hectares of vines are planted to black grapes: Côt, Merlot and Cabernet Franc [known locally as Breton]. They are in the 10-hectare 'home' vineyard in Clisson, known best for the Muscadet from its granite soils de Bourgogne but where a gentle slope with a bit of clay and a southwestern exposure suit the black varieties. The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and gently crushed, with only the free-run juice used for the wine. It is fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, followed by 5-6 months of aging in stainless steel tanks. The wine is classified as a Vin de Pays de la Loire, as there is no allowance for red wine in the Muscadet AOC.