2019-C Domaine des Forges Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France (750ml)   

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This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc produced from 25-year-old vines. The grapes were hand-harvested, carefully sorted and gently pressed. The must was cold-fermented in a temperature-controlled stainless steel tank and aged on its fine lees. The resulting wine was gently filtered prior to bottling. Fresh and focused, it shows refreshing aromas and flavors of tart citrus fruit, candied grapefruit, with hints of celery leaf and nettle.

Back in 1890 Monsieur Pierre Robineau, a local grocer and draper, bought 2 hectares of vineyards. In 1945 his granddaughter, Helen, with her husband Réne Branchereau took over what had grown to a 7 hectare estate. By 1986 the estate had grown to 10 hectares of vineyards and was maintained by their son, Claude, the third generation winemaker, who established the winery as Domaine des Forges. Claude’s son, Stéphane, joined in the family business in 1996, and Claude retired in 2013. Domaine des Forges is now is in the hands of fifth-generation Stéphane and his wife, Severine Branchereau, who run the domaine with a jewel in their crown: They now have vines in the newly designated Grand Cru, Quarts de Chaume, one of the Loire Valley’s finest appellations.

Domaine des Forges is situated in a beautiful corner of the Loire Valley. They produce exceptional wines from a range of different sites on both sides of the River Loire with an impressive 47 hectares of vines throughout the Coteaux du Layon and Savennières. The property is planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This winery uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation and practices sustainable wine growing techniques throughout their vineyards. They allow the grass to grow between the rows to avoid erosion and improve the health of the soil. They use pruning techniques such as “ébourgeonnage,” which is the removal of unwanted new vine shoots, and “effeuillage,” which is the removal of old leaves, to promote proper fruit ripening. No herbicides or pesticides are used.