Domaine Des Forges Savennieres Roche 2021

Domaine des Forges Savennières Roche aux Moines 2020 is a striking expression of dry Loire Chenin Blanc from one of the appellation’s most prized rocky slopes. Crafted from handpicked fruit grown on dramatic schist outcrops above the Loire, it offers depth, tension and a distinctly mineral profile. As part of the tiny Roche aux Moines cru, this cuvée carries the historical prestige of one of France’s great terroirs for ageworthy white wine.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Savennières shows a vibrant pale gold hue with green reflections, hinting at both its freshness and concentration. The nose opens with layers of quince, ripe pear and yellow apple, followed by notes of acacia blossom, chamomile and subtle citrus peel. With air, more complex nuances of wet stone, smoky flint, beeswax and almond emerge, underscoring the wine’s mineral backbone. On the palate, the wine is dry, structured and precise, with a firm, almost architectural frame typical of serious Savennières. Flavors of orchard fruits, Meyer lemon and white peach are interwoven with saline minerality, herbal tones and a gentle, savory nuttiness from élevage on the lees. The texture is both mouthfilling and taut, carried by lively acidity that stretches into a long, persistent, slightly saline finish. Built for longevity, this vintage has excellent aging potential: expect it to evolve beautifully over 8–15 years, developing deeper honeyed, waxy and truffley complexity while retaining its core of freshness.

Production
The Roche aux Moines vineyards sit on steep, rocky slopes on the right bank of the Loire, south of Angers, within one of the most historic and limited crus of Savennières. Here, Chenin Blanc roots plunge into a complex mosaic of sandstone schist, volcanic veins and wind-blown (eolian) sands, giving the wine its unmistakable mineral tension and finesse. At Domaine des Forges, the harvest is carried out entirely by hand in two successive passes through the vineyard, allowing only fully ripe, perfectly healthy bunches to be selected. In the cellar, temperature-controlled fermentation in barrel preserves the pure aromatic character of Chenin while adding gentle textural richness. The wine is then aged for around 11 months on fine lees in barrel, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to enhance mouthfeel, complexity and longevity before bottling.

Food & Serving
This Savennières is a superb gastronomic white that pairs naturally with refined, savory dishes. Try it alongside shellfish (scallops, lobster, langoustines), grilled or roasted white fish, poultry in cream or tarragon sauces, veal, or richer vegetarian dishes featuring mushrooms, root vegetables or aged cheeses like Comté and aged goat’s cheese. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to reveal its aromatic detail while maintaining tension. Young bottles benefit from 30–60 minutes in a decanter to open up the nose and soften the structure; as it matures, a brief, gentle aeration is usually sufficient.

Producer
Domaine des Forges is a historic family estate in the Loire Valley, where winegrowing know-how has been passed down through five generations. Today, Stéphane and Séverine Branchereau, who took over in 2013, farm nearly 50 hectares of vines stretching between the Loire and the Layon rivers. The domaine is recognized as a key reference in the region, producing wines from renowned appellations such as Coteaux du Layon, Savennières, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru and Roche aux Moines. Their meticulous vineyard work and sensitive, terroir-driven winemaking have earned them a reputation for crafting some of the Loire’s most characterful and ageworthy Chenin Blancs.

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