The Orthogneiss 2023 by
Domaine de L’Ecu is a characterful white wine from the
Loire Valley and one of the most compelling interpretations of the
Muscadet style. The wine is made entirely from
Melon de Bourgogne, the historic grape variety that has found its natural home around Nantes for centuries. In this cool Atlantic-influenced region, it develops exceptional precision, saline freshness, and pronounced minerality. In Orthogneiss, this expression is further enhanced by the metamorphic orthogneiss soils from which the wine takes its name, giving it remarkable tension and stony depth.
The
biodynamically farmed
vines are between 45 and 55 years old. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place spontaneously, followed by extended ageing on the fine lees in underground concrete tanks. This maturation adds complexity while preserving the wine’s clear sense of origin.
In the glass, it shows a bright pale golden colour. On the nose, aromas of white stone fruit, citrus zest, fine spice notes, and a distinct mineral-iodine accent unfold. On the palate, the wine is taut, precise, and saline, with smoky minerality, grapefruit notes, and a long, elegantly almond-toned finish.
