Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
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 its wines are 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 separate plots in Savennières, including the original plot on 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.

THE VINTAGE:
The winter of 2024 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 concentrate 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.

ABOUT THE 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, and 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.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
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.

OUR 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 VARIETY:
Chenin Blanc 100%.