Domaine de L'Ecu :: Producers :: International Fine Wines

Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine
(Loire Valley)

* Producteur de Grande Qualité
LE CLASSEMENT 2005 (one of only two producers in the region)

Our Notes:

There is only one reason we ship the wines of Guy & Annie Bossard's Domaine de L'Ecu. It is simply because we believe this to be not only the finest estate in Muscadet but one of the finest winemakers in the Loire, fashioning flinty, textural dry whites which have remarkable purity and finesse - to compare with quality Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé and white Bordeaux. Guy Bossard is determined to take Muscadet to another level by revealing the nature of Muscadet's many terroirs. To this end he produces three special cuvées that reflect vastly different vineyard sites, named according to the predominant soil make-up: Gneiss, Orthogneiss and Granite. By any measure, they are extraordinarily good wines and the price makes them arguably the best value white wine buys we can offer. Do not underestimate their ability to age either - seven or eight years is entirely possible with increasing depth and complexity. Bossard's "entry level" Sur Lies is remarkable value, as his his sparkling wine.

What the critics are saying:

"IF BURGUNDY'S DOMAINE LEROY MADE MUSCADET, IT WOULD BE DOMAINE DE L'ECU."
MATT KRAMER, WINE SPECTATOR - WINES OF THE YEAR

Andrew Jefford, The New France: gives this producer a one star rating (the only producer of the region to receive this recommendation) and writes, "Guy Bossard's 20-ha domain has been organically run since 1975 and biodynamic since 1986. The skilled Bossard is at present taking Muscadet as far as it can go..."

Robert Parker, Wine Buyers Guide: **** Excellent Producer

Wine Magazine: "Fanatical attention to detail in the vineyards (including biodynamic farming) enables Guy Bossard to make an excellent range of wines... impressive weight and structure..."

Le Classement 2005:Domaine de L'Ecu is one of only two Muscadet producers in Le Classement 2005 with the producteur des grande qualité ranking. "The vineyards are plowed with horse, the grapes harvested by hand, natural yeasts are used in the fermentation... In fact, the practice at this estate runs contrary to what is typical in a region that has typically taken the "technology first" road. Bossard's approach is highly rational, allowing the soil and the vine to maximise their potential, without neglecting the precise discipline of wine making. The wines are vinified at low temperature on solids. They are concentrated and yet offer a transparent expression of the soil in which they are grown (many cuvees are named after the soil type in which they are grown)... As always, this is an indispensible address."

Jacqueline Friedrich, A Wine & Food Guide to the Loire: "Muscadet is not, by its nature, powerhouse material. But the best can hold its own against many a Pouilly Fumé or Fuissé as well as the sleek white wines coming from Italy. And the very best can make you dream. Pale, racy and dry, Muscadet's appeal is its delicacy and the steely vigour it expresses within that context. Its tart lemon tang is offset by savoury almond flavours and a Badoit-like taste of minerals."

When to Drink?

The vibrant purity and freshness of the L'Ecu wines makes them a delight to drink from the moment you get them. But do not underestimate the ability of these wines to age. Some Guy Bossard cuvees from 1997 are in outstanding condition in 2004. There is no doubt that the most ageworthy examples are his three vins de terroir (Gneiss, Orthogneiss and Granit) however all his cuvees can age. On a recent visit (2004) we enjoyed a bottle of 1992 Sur Lies with dinner and the wine was not only still alive but simply a brilliant drink, rich, nutty and textured, a cross between a mature Meursault and a great Soave. There is little doubt that if these wines came from a more reputed region they would be twice the price.

Domaine de L'Ecu

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Region:

Muscadet

Producer:

Domaine de L'Ecu

Domaine De L'Ecu Guy Bossard Sevre & Maine Classique Muscadet 2009

Intense, tightly focused mineral palate with tangy, lemony acidity, sea spray and fresh cut pears,
beautifully balanced with bite and finesse. This is classic Muscadet through and through

Product Code: 8836-750

Bottle size 750ml

Buy a straight or mixed dozen get 10% off!

$ 31.00 Single bottle price

$ 27.90 Mixed or straight dozens

More details Send to friend Review this wine

Region:

Muscadet

Producer:

Domaine de L'Ecu

Muscadet Sevre Et Maine Expression Granite Domaine De L' Ecu 2009

Expression de Granite is the heavy hitter in Bossard's range. It's a beautifully elegant, mineral
white that ages with surprising grace and power. It has a satiny texture with lingering notes... read more

Product Code: 8837-750

Bottle size 750ml

Buy a straight or mixed dozen get 10% off!

$ 40.00 Single bottle price

$ 36.00 Mixed or straight dozens