Invictus 2018 - Domaine de l'Ecu

Invictus 2018 – Domaine de l'Ecu

Domaine de l'Ecu is one of the benchmark natural wine estates of the Loire: it lies at Le Landreau, about twenty minutes east of Nantes, in the heart of Muscadet country. It is run by Fred and Claire Niger, has been farmed organically for decades and has been Demeter-certified biodynamic since 1998. Its hallmark is the use of amphorae for most of its wines.

Invictus is a pure Cabernet Franc. The hand-picked, destemmed grapes ferment with native yeasts only, then the wine stays in amphora for about twelve months, in contact with the skins. It is neither filtered nor fined.

2018, a generous vintage in the Loire, produced a ripe yet fresh red: dark fruit, pepper, herbs, graphite and dense but polished tannins, at just 12% alcohol. Best decanted, it will keep for around ten years. Perfect with game: duck, wild boar, pheasant, hare, or an oxtail stew.

At a glance: Cabernet Franc 100% · 12% ABV · 0.75 l · Domaine de l'Ecu, Loire