Domaine de l'Ecu
"Many feel that Domaine de l'Ecu (along with a very small group of other domaines, of course) is to thank for what Muscadet is today. The domaine's influence can be attributed to three main factors: 1) Early adoption of organic viticulture in the Loire, well before it was fashionable to do so. The vineyards of Domaine de l'Ecu have been certified Organic for over 40 years and certified Biodynamic for over 20 years. 2) Stong belief in the unique terroirs of Muscadet that inspired vinification and bottling based on soil type, as opposed to appellation blends. Thus was born the famed terroir wines from the subsoils of Gneiss, Orthogneiss and Granite. 3) Unlike most regular Muscadet, the wines are aged sur-lie for 15-18 months, resulting in a texture and layered complexity that have come to define the unique style of Domaine de l'Ecu Muscadets and set them apart from other wines in the appellation. In fact, some Loire cogni scenti have argued that Domaine de l'Ecu should be its own appellation - like Chateau Grillet, for example - due to the singularity of the wines. Besides these factors, there are a series of non-negotiable "house rules" that apply to all the wines at Domaine de L'Ecu: working the soils, harvesting by hand, fermenting with indigenous yeast, avoiding pumping or racking of the must (only gravity), and minimal use of sulfur. All in all, it is a philosophy of "no make-up"; just true wines without adulteration or artifice. In recent years, the domaine has seen a change of hands since celebrated owner and natural viticulturist Guy Bossard had no heirs interested in taking over the property. The estate is now run by a passionate, wine-loving gentleman named Frederik (Fred) Niger. Fred is a very "hands-on" owner and is dedicated to maintaining the greatness of the estate. To that end, he has retained Bossard as an ongoing consultant to ensure a smooth transition. Like Bossard, Fred is a fanatic in the vineyards, crops extremely low, and makes Muscadets that have remarkable depth, precision and ageability. His passion and connection to the natural world guide his every move in the vineyard and cellar. He is present, observant and mindful, always with the goal of working in tandem with the forces of nature and never against them. In recent years, Fred has embarked on a compelling endeavor to craft a collection of Vin De France varietal wines fermented and aged in a combination of amphora and barrel, and sometimes amphora alone. He is particularly interested in the energy exchange between vessel and wine, and ultimately in how this energy is transmitted to those of us who have the pleasure of experiencing these vibrant, lively, pure expressions of soil and grape."
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Love & Grapes Nobis' Syrah 2019
$13.95 $17.07
"From famed Muscadet producer Domaine de l'Ecu, this glou glou "Nobis" Syrah was sourced from 25-30 year old Syrah vines from two hectares planted near
Domaine de l'Ecu Muscadet 'Classic' 2020
$14.95 $18.13
John Gilman 91 "The Muscadet "Classic" bottling from Domaine de l’Ecu is the estate’s young vine cuvée. The 2020 version delivers superb aromatic complexity in its
Domaine de l'Ecu Muscadet 'Classic' 2019
"Many feel that Domaine de l'Ecu (along with a very small group of other domaines, of course) is to thank for how Muscadet is thought
Domaine de l'Ecu Chardonnay 'Janus' 2019
"Many feel that Domaine de l'Ecu (along with a very small group of other domaines, of course) is to thank for what Muscadet is today.
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Granite' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2018
Wine Enthusiast 92 "(EDITOR'S CHOICE) Named after the rock upon which the vineyard sits, this wine is textured, very mineral and concentrated. Ripe apple flavors are
Domaine de l'Ecu Muscadet 'Classic' 2018
Wine Enthusiast 90 "From a vineyard that has been biodynamic since 1998, this is a ripe, fruit-driven and pure wine. Its acidity, apple and citrus flavors
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Love & Grapes Nobis' Syrah 2018
From famed Muscadet producer Domaine de l'Ecu, this glou glou "Nobis" Syrah was sourced from 25-30 year old Syrah vines from two hectares planted near
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Red Noz' Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
"Many feel that Domaine de l'Ecu (along with a very small group of other domaines, of course) is to thank for what Muscadet is today.
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Granite' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2017
"(Certified Organic, Certified Biodynamic) Many feel that Domaine de l'Ecu (along with a very small group of other domaines, of course) is to thank for
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Love & Grapes Nobis' Syrah 2017
"From famed Muscadet producer Domaine de l'Ecu, this glou glou "Nobis" Syrah was sourced from 25-30 year old Syrah vines from two hectares planted near
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Granite' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2016
Wine Enthusiast 92 "One of a pair of wines that comes from specific soil types. This impressive wine, from granite soil, is strongly mineral while also
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Granite' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2015
Vinous Media 91 "The nose here is understated but appetizingly marine and lemon-zesty. Tangy and piquantly seed-tinged apple is laced with lemon zest on a polished,
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Red Noz' Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
"Many feel that Domaine de l'Ecu (along with a very small group of other domaines, of course) is to thank for what Muscadet is today.
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Granite' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2014
Wine Enthusiast 93 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2016 #7 "Like all the wines from this domaine, this comes from biodynamically produced grapes. It is part
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Orthogneiss' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2014
John Gilman 93 "The 2014 Orthogneiss cuvée from Domaine de l’Écu is superb on both the nose and palate, wafting from the glass in a pure
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Orthogneiss' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2013
Wine Advocate 90 "The pale colored 2013 Muscadet Sevre et Maine Orthogneiss has a precise and citric fruit aroma of candied limes, dried apples and brown
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Orthogneiss' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2012
John Gilman 94+ "Domaine de l’Écu’s Orthogneiss bottling is produced from vineyards with metamorphosed rock that is far more granitic than the straight micro schist found
Domaine de l'Ecu 'Granite' Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2012
John Gilman 96 "The 2012 Granite bottling from Messieurs Bossard and van Herck, as the name suggests, comes from hard granite soils and the vineyards for
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