Winery from ÉCU

Winery de l'Écu - Forerunner of Biodynamic Viticulture in the Loire Valley

Located in the heart of the prestigious Muscadet vineyards in the Loire-Atlantique region, Winery de l'Écu is today considered one of the leading references in the world of natural and biodynamic wines. Founded in the 1970s by Guy Bossard, Winery has forged its own path to excellence, distinguishing itself by its avant-garde approach. A pioneer in the adoption of organic, then biodynamic viticulture, Winery has always favored a profound respect for nature and terroir. The vineyard, which covers 24 hectares of land, is made up of small plots scattered on the best slopes of the hillsides. Today, the wines of Winery de l'Écu are renowned for their purity, precision and ability to uniquely express the identity of the Loire terroir, thanks to a vinification process that uses no chemical inputs.

Guy Bossard's legacy lives on under the direction of Fred Niger, a passionate nature lover and fervent advocate of biodynamic viticulture. Fred has not only continued Winery 's commitment to respectful viticulture, but has also broadened the horizon by exploring bold winemaking methods, such as the use of amphorae. In addition to its emblematic wines, Winery de l'Écu has become a benchmark for lovers of authentic, intense wines of emotion.

Winery de l'Écu, an avant-garde story

Guy Bossard, winemaker visionary, converted Winery de l'Écu to organic viticulture as early as 1972, long before this approach became fashionable. In 1998, Winery switched to biodynamic viticulture, with the ambition of creating wines that authentically reflect their terroir. Since 2010, Fred Niger has been at the helm of Winery, pursuing this philosophy by developing natural wines with no added sulfur, and experimenting with innovative vinifications, notably in amphorae.

Which terroir for Winery de l'Écu?

Winery de l'Écu benefits from an exceptional terroir, where a veritable geological mosaic lies beneath the vines. Soils of gneiss, granite and orthogneiss make up the richness and diversity of Winery. Each of these soil types gives the wines a specific minerality, which translates into great precision and a marked freshness on the palate. This geological diversity, combined with biodynamic practices, results in wines with distinct profiles, reflecting the soul of each parcel. The viticulture practiced at Winery emphasizes respect for biodiversity and the microbial life of the soil, essential elements for the quality and longevity of the wines produced.

Winery de l'Écu is best known for its Muscadets, dry white wines with sharp minerality and surprising ageing potential. However, under the leadership of Fred Niger, Winery has diversified its cuvées, producing highly complex red and white wines from grape varieties such as Melon de Bourgogne, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Thanks to rigorous viticulture that respects lunar cycles, Winery manages to capture the very essence of terroir in every bottle, offering wines that are both vibrant and authentic.

Biodynamic viticulture is practised with exemplary rigour. No synthetic products, chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. Every intervention in the vineyard is carried out in accordance with cosmic rhythms and natural cycles, using biodynamic preparations that enhance the vitality of plants and soils. This holistic approach enables the vines to flourish and produce grapes of exceptional quality, guaranteeing wines of great purity.