ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Domaine des Forges
Domaine des Forges has been run by the Branchereau family since 1890. The domaine, now in the hands of Stéphane Branchereau and his wife Séverine, spreads over 47 ha of vineyards: a little Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, some Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and 27 ha of Chenin Blanc. The Chenin parcels include 3 ha in Quarts de Chaume and other plots in three separate crus of Savennières: Moulin du Gué, Clos du Papillon and Roche aux Moines. Domaine des Forges crafts three outstanding single-vineyard Savennières from these parcels.
Farming practices: Certified level 3 High Environmental Value (HVE) since 2019. Grass is allowed to grow between the rows in order to avoid erosion and improve the health of the soil. Preventive health techniques are used, such as ébourgeonnage (the removal of unwanted new vine shoots) and effeuillage (the removal of old leaves). No herbicides or pesticides are used.