Domaine de la Pépière, 2022 Update
Having tasted and reported on the wines of Domaine de la Pépière every year since 2009, it was particularly disappointing to have this unbroken run of tasting notes and reports so abruptly terminated by the pandemic. This is my first full report on these wines since my visit to the domaine in December 2019, just a week or two before news broke about a new and concerning strain of coronavirus. Never mind; if this is the worst consequence of Covid-19 that I suffer, then I suppose I will have gotten off quite lightly compared to many.
Two years without tasting here meant it was even more enjoyable than usual catching up with Rémi Branger, who now runs the domaine with business partner Gwénaëlle Croix (who was nowhere to be seen on the day). I was able to check out the latest release of the traditional sur lie cuvées, as well as recent and forthcoming cru communal releases, including the 2019 Clisson.
The Domaine
I am tempted to write that Domaine de la Pépière needs no introduction, but I once received a metaphorical slap on the wrist from a self-appointed social media maven for doing so – apparently this alienates those who do need an introduction – so before I present my tasting notes, here goes with my Pépière potted summary (for a much fuller account, see my Domaine de la Pépière profile).
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