Domaine de l'Ecu 'Orthogneiss' Vin de France 2022

Fans of modern Muscadet have a small cadre of winemakers to thank for the region’s tasty reputation - and Domaine de l’Ecu ranks high on that list! This historic estate was among the first to adopt organic viticultural practices in the Loire, long before it was trendy, and has been certified organic by Ecocert for over 40 years and certified biodynamic by Demeter for over 20. In addition, the domaine passionately embraces the unique terroirs of Muscadet, leading to vinifications based on soil type rather than appellation blends. This distinction is only further enhanced by the winemaking itself: hand harvested grapes are fermented with indigenous yeasts, sulfur is kept to a minimum, and bottling occurs without fining or filtration. Most notably, the wines see extended lees contact, setting them even further apart from other wines of the appellation with a unique texture and complexity that has become Domaine de l’Ecu’s signature style. Dynamic winemaker Fred Niger is now at the helm, having bought the domaine from legendary farmer Guy Bossard, and remains intensely committed to working with nature to make wines that uphold Domaine de l’Ecu’s hard-earned reputation. The grapes for ‘Orthogneiss’ come from 45-55 year old vines grown in the eponymous subsoil (a metamorphosed igneous with bands of minerals), and see 15-18 months of aging on lees in underground concrete vats covered with glass tiles. Elegant, nuanced aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, and ginger mingle with flinty, nutty notes and hints of dried fruit. The intense minerality continues through on the palate, which unfurls in creamy, chalky layers that combine pithy citrus, lime zest, and toasted almond with salty and smoky undertones all backed by an electrifying streak of acidity. A showstopping combination of complexity, purity, and texture, this will age for a good 10 years as well - if you can wait that long! Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.