Domaine de l’Ecu Ange 2020

Domaine de l'Ecu, long run by the pioneering organic and biodynamic grower Guy Bossard, makes this Loire Pinot Noir from vines planted on gneiss and orthogneiss, hard metamorphic rocks that drain freely and give the wine a clear mineral line. Yields are deliberately low, between 25 and 30 hectolitres per hectare, which concentrates the fruit while keeping the wine light and detailed. The estate was certified biodynamic in 1998 and each plot is farmed to its own needs. This cuvée is aged in amphora rather than oak: the unglazed clay allows a slow, gentle oxygen exchange that softens the wine and rounds the tannins while adding no wood flavour, leaving the Pinot Noir fruit and the gneiss minerality to speak plainly. It is a fresh, transparent style of red. The colour is bright, light ruby, with aromas of red cherry, redcurrant and wild strawberry over rose and a savoury, stony earthiness. The palate is light bodied and finely tannic, with a vivid, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled, around 14 degrees, in a Burgundy glass. It suits charcuterie, roast pork and poultry.