Domaine des Forges – Anjou Blanc – 2023

PRODUCER NOTE:
Domaine de Forges has been a family-owned producer for five generations. Although his father Claude can still be found pottering round the cellar, the current success of this estate and the quality of the wines is down to son Stéphane and his wife Séverine. Their 50 hectares of sustainably farmed vines include 30 hectares of Chenin Blanc, of which seven are located on the steep slopes of the Chaumes and a one hectare parcel in the Loire’s only Grand Cru: the prestigious Quarts de Chaume. They also own thee separate plots in Savennières, including the original in the sandy-schist site of Moulin du Gué and one hectare in the cru Roche aux Moines. Yields are kept extremely low, at 25 hectolitres per hectare. As a result of this complex network of terroirs, the wines have a richness and intensity that clearly show the world-class potential of this style of Chenin Blanc.

VINTAGE:
The winter of 2023 was the warmest since the turn of this century, bringing with it an abundance of rain. This sparked the vine’s growth cycle and flowering took place two weeks earlier than average. The summer was warm and dry, with several heatwaves, which allowed the vines to flourish, the grapes to mature and concentrated the flavours in the berries. The natural water reserves prevented any hydric stress. Harvest took place in September, resulting in elegant wines with excellent fruit concentration.

VINEYARD:
Located in the commune of St Aubin de Luigné in the south of the Loire Valley, the vineyards are situated on schist and carboniferous soils that mark some of the finest parcels of the region. The schist retains heat, which encourages ripening in this northern, cool climate. The yields seldom rise above 25 hectolitres per hectare; resulting in grapes with concentrated juice and full of flavour. The vineyard is sustainably cultivated, the vineyards are grassed between the rows, with green harvesting, summer thinning to ensure the grapes are exposed to the sunshine to ensure ripening. The harvest is picked in three triages, in order to select only the ripest and highest quality fruit.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes from each parcel were vinified separately. The fruit was carefully pressed and the juice settled under controlled conditions. The must was filtered to ensure extra purity. Fermentation took place slowly with selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Careful maturation on the fine lees resulted in fresh vivacity and great complexity. The wine was filtered by cross flow filtration, which significantly helps to reduce the sulphur levels.

TASTING NOTE:
A lively, dry wine with ripe golden delicious apple flavours and a crisp refreshing character through to a deliciously vibrant and saline finish.

GRAPE:
Chenin Blanc 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Loire

SUB-REGION:
Loire