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. -
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.
- 1989 — First single-soil terroir Muscadets bottled by Guy Bossard
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de l'Écu
- 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)
Scores
- Wine Spectator 90 (2021 vintage, reviewed 2023)
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.