Expression de Gneiss

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In the glass

Aroma: citrus, almond, white flower, wet stone

Palate: lemon, saline mineral, white peach, stony finish

Most forward of l'Écu's terroir Muscadets, with citrus and almond aromas. Gneiss soils produce the estate's most approachable bottling.

What it pairs with

• Oysters on the half shell Saline mineral edge and shellfish brine align; citrus replaces a lemon wedge.More wines for oysters →
• Steamed mussels Saline finish and shellfish broth lock together; stony mineral handles cream-shallot sauce.More wines for mussels →
• Fish and chips Battered fish meets the wine's high acid and saline mineral; stony finish handles vinegar.More wines for fish →
• Goat cheese salad Loire chèvre tang meets Muscadet's chalky lift; almond aromatic complements the salad.More wines for lamb →

With cheese

Valençay Our pick Young Valençay is creamy and melting under its ash coat. A Muscadet aged on its lees in glass-lined vats, with no oak, brings brisk acidity and a saline edge that cut the paste and leave its fresh nuts clear.

History

Expression de Gneiss is the most approachable of l'Écu's three terroir bottlings. Gneiss soils are the most widespread in the AOC and give a forward, easily-grasped Muscadet.

1. 1989First single-soil terroir Muscadets bottled by Guy Bossard

Facts

Producer

Domaine de l'Écu · visiting guide

Grapes

Melon de Bourgogne (100%)

Classification

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC

Oak

Vinified and aged on lees in underground glass-lined vats, no oak, around 9 months

ABV

12.0%

Price

EUR 20 to 28 at retail

Drinking window

1-10 from vintage

First vintage

1989

Biodynamic

Demeter Certified

Organic

DEMETER

Vegan

Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Expression de Gneiss

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