Domaine de l’Ecu Taurus Vin de France 2020

Winery Background and History

Domaine de l’Ecu, located in the Loire Valley near Nantes, France, has been a pioneer in organic viticulture since 1975 and achieved Demeter biodynamic certification in 1998. The estate is renowned for its commitment to natural winemaking practices, emphasizing minimal intervention to allow the terroir to express itself fully. Over the years, Domaine de l’Ecu has gained international acclaim for producing distinctive and expressive wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their vineyards.

Producer and Winemaker

The estate is currently managed by Claire and Fred Niger, who continue the legacy of natural winemaking established by their predecessors. Fred Niger, as the head winemaker, focuses on crafting wines that are true to their origins, utilizing traditional methods and eschewing synthetic additives. His philosophy centers on creating wines that are both authentic and reflective of the unique terroirs of the Loire Valley.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The vineyards of Domaine de l’Ecu are situated in the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation of the Loire Valley, benefiting from a temperate maritime climate with influences from the Atlantic Ocean. The soils are predominantly composed of schist, granite, and gneiss, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the minerality characteristic of the estate’s wines. The combination of favorable climate and diverse soil types allows for the cultivation of high-quality grapes that express the distinctiveness of their terroir.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Melon de Bourgogne

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes for Taurus are hand-harvested and received by gravity to avoid the use of pumps, preserving the integrity of the fruit. After pneumatic pressing, the must undergoes fermentation with 100% natural yeast, without racking. The wine is then aged for two years on the lees, with 50% in Stockinger Austrian oak barrels and 50% in amphoras. No filtration or fining is performed, and minimal sulfur dioxide is used, adhering to the estate’s natural winemaking philosophy.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.5%

Tasting Notes

Taurus 2020 exhibits elegant aromas of citrus, dried fruits, white flowers, almond, and toast, underpinned by a pronounced minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, balanced by fine acidity and liveliness, showcasing exquisite balance. The wine is complex and powerful, revealing another aspect of the terroir through partial oak aging. It possesses great aging potential, making it a racy and exciting expression of Melon de Bourgogne for wine lovers.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs exceptionally well with dishes such as raw scallops with yuzu, salmon tartare with Dijon emulsion, scallops with ginger and Meyer lemon, poached salmon with caper-butter sauce, creamed chicken with chanterelles and smoked eel, asparagus with roasted sweetbread, prawn risotto with black truffle slices, cubed tuna sashimi with scallions and seaweed, and cheeses with washed rinds like Pont Lévêque, Livarot, Maroilles, Epoisses, Vacherin, and Mont-d’Or.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve Taurus at an ideal temperature of 11-12°C (52-54°F). It is recommended to decant the wine before enjoying to fully appreciate its complexity and allow it to reveal its full potential.

Storage and Aging Potential

Taurus 2020 has significant aging potential and can be enjoyed now or cellared for 10 to 15 years, during which it will continue to develop complexity and depth.