Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2022 to 2032.
vintage2 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2023202092/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: subtle mint, salty mineral, white flower, green apple

Palate: lemon, saline texture, stone, white peach

Single-soil Muscadet from granite parcel in Le Landreau. Markedly different from gneiss bottlings, with subtle mint and salty mineral aromas.

What it pairs with

  • Oysters with mignonette
    Saline texture and shellfish brine align; granite mineral substitutes for shallot bite.
  • Steamed clams in white wine
    Shellfish broth meets the wine's salty mineral; the cuvée's lift handles parsley garlic butter.
  • Salt-baked sea bass
    Salt crust and Muscadet's saline texture lock together; the wine's mint refreshes herb stuffing.
  • Sushi
    Tense acidity and saline texture handle delicate raw fish without overpowering soy.

History

Guy Bossard pioneered single-soil terroir Muscadets in the 1980s. Granite expresses a small parcel in Le Landreau, distinct from the estate's larger gneiss holdings. Bossard died in 2023; Fred Niger continues the project.

  1. 1992: Estate fully biodynamic, certified by Demeter
  2. 2015: Fred Niger acquires the property from Guy Bossard
  3. 2023: Guy Bossard, founder, passes away on 12 May 2023

Facts

Producer
Domaine de l'Écu · visiting guide
Grapes
Melon de Bourgogne (100%)
Classification
Vin de France
Oak
Vinified and aged on lees in underground glass-lined vats, no oak, around 12 months
ABV
12.0%
Price
EUR 22 to 32 at retail
Drinking window
2-12 from vintage
First vintage
1989
Biodynamic
Demeter Certified
Organic
DEMETER
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Granite

What does l'Écu Granite taste like?

Subtle mint, salty mineral, white flower and green apple on the nose; lemon, saline texture, stone and white peach on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, saline finish.

When should I drink l'Écu Granite?

Drink between 2 and 12 years from vintage. The biodynamic farming and granite terroir give the wine textural depth that rewards 3 to 5 years in bottle.

Where is Granite grown?

A small parcel of Melon de Bourgogne planted on granite in Le Landreau, distinct from the estate's larger gneiss holdings.

Is l'Écu Granite 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 elegant mood refreshing mood savoury occasion aperitivo occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with oysters pairs with shellfish pairs with sushi pairs with white fish price trade up single vineyard still white vegan

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