Domaine de l’Ecu Muscadet Sevre et Maine “Expression de Granite” 2005
There is no doubt that Guy Bossard’s Domaine de L’Ecu is the finest producer in Muscadet, fashioning flinty, earthy, fleshy dry whites to compare not only with quality Loire whites but with the best of Alsace and Northern Italy. Bossard is determined to take Muscadet to another level by revealing the nature of Muscadet's many terroirs. To this end he produces several cuvees that reflect vastly different vineyard sites, named according to the predominant soil make-up.
Muscadet Sevre et Maine “Expression de Granite” 2005 is from a parcel rich in granite. This is typically Bossard’s finest cuvee but it is also the wine that takes the longest to show its best post-shipping. Bossard bottles this last each year and it often needs time to develop.
The 2005 is a highlight with lifted aromatics of crushed chalk and earth leading to a deliciously pulpy textured mouthfeel, balanced by crisp chalky acidity. Still a pup in 2005, it is a surprisingly delicious drink now.
“L’Ecu’s 2005 Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Expression de Granite is scented with fresh lime, fennel, tangerine zest, and flowers. Infectiously juicy, satiny in texture, expansively floral, pungently zesty and herbal, and subtly honeyed, it finishes with fascinating hints of iodine, oyster shell, and citrus zest, yet always with juicy refreshment.”