Domaine de la Pepiere

Juan Antonio Ponce began his winery in 2005, at the age of 23. He works biodynamically in the vineyard, and in the winery he takes a natural approach, using low levels of sulfur dioxide. His philosophy is to make natural wines with wild yeast fermentation, to respect the local varietal Bobal and to express its terroir. The winemaking process begins with hand harvesting. The bunches of grapes are then chilled to 8°C and fermented whole-bunch, with the stems, in a type of fermentation known as “remango,” which was once popular in Rioja. - T Edward Wines

About the Winemaker

Domaine de la Pepiere


Manchuela, a lesser-known Spanish wine region inland from Valencia, is where the Bobal varietal thrives. Known for its thick skins and rusticity, controlling Bobal's vigor is crucial for crafting a well-balanced and interesting wine. Despite few defenders of this region and even fewer winemakers dedicated to Bobal, Juan Antonio Ponce stands out as a master and interpreter of the grape.

Ponce established his winery in 2005 at the age of 23. He practices biodynamic farming in the vineyard and adopts a natural approach in the winery, using minimal sulfur dioxide. His philosophy focuses on crafting natural wines through wild yeast fermentation to showcase the local varietal Bobal and express its terroir.

Hand harvesting kicks off the winemaking process.

The Region

Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and historic chateaux, is also a prominent region for natural wine production. Nestled along the meandering Loire River, this diverse wine region boasts a rich viticultural heritage dating back centuries. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in natural winemaking, with many producers embracing sustainable and organic practices. In the Loire Valley, natural winemakers often focus on expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards, allowing the grapes to shine with minimal intervention. From the crisp, mineral-driven whites of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé to the elegant, light-bodied reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, the diversity of grape varieties and styles in the region is reflected in its natural wines. These wines typically exhibit vibrant acidity, bright fruit flavors, and a sense of purity that captures the essence of the Loire Valley's cool climate and limestone-rich soils. With its commitment to authenticity and respect for nature, the Loire Valley continues to be a beacon for those seeking distinctive and environmentally conscious wines.