Domaine de l'Ecu

Domaine de l'Ecu Matris Chenin Blanc 2020

$50
$50
Description

Matris Chenin Blanc 2020 is a biodynamic white wine from the Loire region of France. It is made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes grown in granitic soils. The vineyard is meticulously managed, and biodynamic practices include working the soils, manual leaf-pulling, and hand-harvesting to ensure the highest quality of the fruit.

The wine undergoes a 12-day cuvaison with indigenous yeast fermentation, preserving Chenin Blanc's natural flavors. The Matris Chenin Blanc is then aged for 15 months in a combination of amphora and old barrels, with no sulfur added throughout the process. Matris has an expressive nose characterized by aromas of ripe orchard fruits and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it offers a beautifully balanced profile, with a creamy texture and a refreshing minerality emblematic of the granitic soils.

Dry/Sweet:, Dry
Wine Type:, White
Wine Style:, Medium Body
Grapes:, Chenin Blanc
Farming:, Organic
Vintage:, 2020
Alcohol:, 12%
Country:, France
Region:, Loire Valley
Appellation:, NA
Bottle Size:, 750ml
Sugar level:, Low Sugar, Zero Added Sugar

Food Pairing Ideas:

Grilled fish, seafood, light pasta dishes.

 

Producer profile

Domaine de l'Ecu

Domaine de l'Ecu is located in the Loire Valley and is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. This estate has played a pivotal role in redefining the reputation of Muscadet wines, elevating them from simple, easy-drinking whites to complex, terroir-driven expressions.

The estate, originally led by the pioneering winemaker Guy Bossard, was one of the first in the Loire Valley to embrace organic farming in 1972, long before it became a trend. By 1998, they had fully transitioned to biodynamic practices, making them one of the region's earliest adopters of this rigorous and holistic approach. Today, under the passionate stewardship of Fred Niger, Domaine de l'Ecu continues to push the boundaries of natural winemaking.

Domaine de l'Ecu is best known for its single-terroir Muscadet wines, crafted with a deep respect for the land and minimal intervention. The estate's wines, such as the iconic "Orthogneiss" and "Granite," are aged sur lie for extended periods, allowing them to develop remarkable depth, texture, and minerality, defining the estate's style.

In addition to their Muscadet offerings, Fred Niger has expanded the estate's portfolio to include a variety of other wines, many of which are aged in amphorae. This practice not only harks back to ancient winemaking traditions but also enhances the uniqueness of the wines. Niger's approach is marked by a philosophy of – in his words – "no make-up," where the goal is to produce wines that are unadulterated and true to their origins, with minimal use of sulfites and a focus on letting the natural characteristics of the grapes and terroir shine through.

Wine region

Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley wine region in central France is renowned for its diverse range of wine styles, significantly influenced by its extensive geographic spread and the variable climates within its boundaries. This region, often called the "Garden of France," stretches over 800 kilometers from the Atlantic coast in the west to the center of France in the east, encompassing several distinct wine-producing areas along the Loire River.

The region produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, with the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé particularly prestigious for their expressive, mineral-driven styles. Chenin Blanc is another key variety, central to the wines of Vouvray and Anjou, which are used to make everything from dry to sweet and even sparkling wines. Muscadet, near the Atlantic coast, focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne grape, producing crisp, saline wines that pair excellently with seafood.

In addition to white wines, the Loire Valley produces reds and rosés, primarily from Cabernet Franc. This grape thrives in the appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny, producing wines known for their floral aromas and crisp acidity. These wines often exhibit a characteristic freshness and are typically consumed young.

The region's climate varies from maritime in the west, which provides a cooling influence ideal for Muscadet, to a more continental climate in the east, which supports the ripening of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. This climatic variation, coupled with the diverse array of terroirs, from chalky limestone to flinty clay, allows the Loire Valley to produce wines that are both diverse and highly reflective of their specific locales.

Frequently asked question

We will process and ship your order in 2-3 business days, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking as soon as the Carrier scans the shipping label.

Ground shipping time depends on location, here's a breakdown:

West Coast: 1-2 business days
Midwest: 3-4 business days
East Coast: 5 business days

Process time is not shipping time. Shipping time starts from the days successive to the day of shipping, after the order has been processed.

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Signature on delivery is mandatory for wine deliveries. Please make sure someone is at the shipping address to sign for the package.

If applicable, please consider delivering the package to a business address to ensure someone is available to sign for the package.

We also have the option of delivering the package to a Carrier's store for pickup. Please reach out to us to coordinate.

Carrier will try to delivery a package up to three times before returning the package to us.

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If you miss a delivery and a package gets returned to us we have two options:

1) Reship the package right away: due to the very high cost of shipping and returns, we must charge a re-shipping fee to be determined based on package size and shipping destination.

2) Consolidate the returned package with your next order: this option is free of charge and it's the most popular option.

See here our shipping policy.

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Black and white photo of a hand holding grapes in the vineyards, buy natural wine online on Primal Wine online store - primalwine.com

What is natural wine?

Natural wine is a type of wine made in small batches from hand-harvested organic or biodynamic grapes with minimal intervention in the cellar.
Black and white photo of several grapes and vine leaves in the vineyards, buy natural wine online on Primal Wine online store - primalwine.com

What is Biodynamics?

Biodynamic wine is wine made naturally from grapes farmed biodynamically. Biodynamic farming is a holistic approach to farming.
Black and white photo of a hand harvesting grapes in the vineyards, buy natural wine online on Primal Wine online store - primalwine.com

What is organic wine?

Organic wine is made with grapes farmed organically. Organic farming is a type of farming alternative to conventional farming.
What is vegan wine?

What is vegan wine?

Vegan wine is wine made without using animal products during the fining phase of the clarification process. Before wine is bottled it is usually clarified.