2020 Domaine de l'Ecu "Ensemble" Muscadet

Region: Loire Valley < France

Grapes: Melon

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic and certified biodynamic; No fining, filtering or sulfur added; zero-zero; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Frederik (Fred) Niger

Domaine de l’Ecu has attained almost legendary status in the Loire for its influence on the region’s Muscadet. The estate was among the early adopters of organic viticulture, long before it became trendy; l’Ecu’s vineyards have been certified organic for over 40 years and certified biodynamic for over 20 years! In recent years, the domaine changed hands, as highly respected owner and natural viticulturist Guy Bossard had no heirs interested in taking over the property. L’Ecu is now run by Fred Niger, who is very hands-on in his commitment to maintaining the estate’s greatness, while Bossard is still around as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. The two men share a passion bordering on fanaticism when it comes to meticulous work in the vineyards, always keeping their respect for the natural world at the forefront.  With Fred at the helm, Domaine de l’Ecu has helped to change how the Muscadet appellation is thought of today: with organic certification for the last 40 years, extensive lees aging, terroir-based bottlings based on soil type, and non-interventionist winemaking in the cellar, his wines are a far-cry from the grocery store plonk that Muscadet was known for in the past.

Made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne and aged 10 months on the lees, Ensemble opens with citrus, smoke, and white flowers on the nose and is classically flinty and dry, with green apple and lemon zest, salt spray, finishing with mouth-watering acidity. Pair with oysters (duh), or fried fish, fatty fish, etc.