Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2021: best 2022 to 2031.
vintage1 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Spectator reviewed 2023202190/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

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.
  • Steamed mussels
    Saline finish and shellfish broth lock together; stony mineral handles cream-shallot sauce.
  • Fish and chips
    Battered fish meets the wine's high acid and saline mineral; stony finish handles vinegar.
  • Goat cheese salad
    Loire chèvre tang meets Muscadet's chalky lift; almond aromatic complements the salad.

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. 1989: First 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

What does l'Écu Gneiss taste like?

Citrus, almond, white flower and wet stone on the nose; lemon, saline mineral, white peach and stony finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long stony finish.

When should I drink l'Écu Gneiss?

Drink between 1 and 10 years from vintage. The cuvée is the most approachable of the estate's three terroir bottlings; light chill (8-10°C) is ideal.

Where is Gneiss grown?

On gneiss soils within the estate's Muscadet Sèvre et Maine holdings. Gneiss is the most widespread soil type in the AOC.

Is l'Écu Gneiss vegan?

Yes. The estate is Demeter-certified biodynamic since 1992 and uses no animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified dry high acid medium body medium term melon de bourgogne mood easygoing mood refreshing occasion aperitivo occasion summer occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with oysters pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with white fish price trade up single vineyard still white value pick vegan

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