93-Point Loire Valley Chenin for 18 Bucks!
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Domaine des Forges is quietly one of the great producers in the Anjou region. Founded in 1890, the Branchereau family painstakingly crafts the singular, wondrously overdelivering dry Chenin Blanc that we bring you today, along with one of the most indulgently delicious bang-for-bucks off-dry whites we can remember in awhile.
"Domaine des Forges is an under-appreciated domaine I think. It strikes me that this domaine is one of the hidden highlights of the Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume appellations."
- Wine Doctor, Chris Kissack
We are currently the exclusive seller of these wines, and by having the wines imported specifically for us, we’re able to offer a price-to-performance ratio that is simply outlandish. Check ‘em both out down below, and don’t forget to hit that Big Green Button.
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2024 Domaine des Forges "L'Audace" Blanc
Anjou, Loire Valley, France
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We’ve had wonderful success in recent years introducing you to the great dry Chenin Blancs of the Loire Valley. As Burgundy and Sancerre continue to increase in price, the the exceptional wines of regions such as Anjou announce themselves that much more loudly.
“A joyously ambitious Chenin Blanc."
- Decanter, December 2024
Offering rich orchard fruits, quince and pear flavors with nuances of almond butter, beeswax, lemon peel, honey-drizzled Manchego, white mushroom, celery root and chalk, this particular wine is notable for its shimmering old school energy and sexy nuance of botrytis.
Lithe, ripe and quite tactile, this completely dry 12% ABV white speaks of place and vintage with beautiful crisp acidity that plays to a crescendo on the clean, linear finish. There's a WHOLE LOT of character and goodness here, and we're not the only ones who love it!
“A joyously ambitious Chenin Blanc, the product of meticulous viticulture, harvesting and winemaking. From well-tended specific plots where two to three passes at harvest include some fruit with just the beginnings of botrytis comes a wine of generosity, complexity and pure joy. Sweet fruit aromatics of ripe pear flesh, honey-drizzled cut apples and lemon candies. The palate is given a gorgeous texture by 11 months on the lees with plenty of battonage. Crisp orchard fruit with plenty of ripeness: peaches mingle with juicy pear and Meyer lemon pulp - fresh and fleshy with a deliciously crisp finish. A fantastic wine.”
- 93 Points, Decanter (12/2024)
As of now, we're the only ones in the country to have this deliciously overdelivering white. Thanks to our cost structure, the value is ridiculous. Supply, unfortunately, is limited to what we have on hand.
Vin Chicago Price: 17.99
2023 Domaine des Forges "Chaume" 1er Cru
Coteaux du Layon, Loire Valley, France
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This one STOPPED US IN OUR TRACKS. While the "L'Audace" is bone dry, this Premier Cru bottling adds a bit of sweetness to the equation while keeping all the beautiful acidity, balance and magnificent character.
"It is for the sweet wines that Domaine des Forges should be rightly celebrated. These are at the top level, put simply, just superb. Breathtaking in fact."
- Wine Doctor, Chris Kissack
Earning 93+ Points on the stingy Vin Chicago scale, this botrytis enhanced Chenin Blanc grabs on and doesn’t let go! Notes of apricot, orange marmalade, mango, cardamom and ginger interplay with hints of crushed volcanic stone, pink grapefruit and grilled Meyer lemon. It will drink great for days after opening, and will age effortlessly for at least another decade.
There is sweetness here, but don't let that stop you. A glass of this 11% ABV nectar may bring you just 15 to 20 calories more than a juicy Pinot Noir. Skip a few sticks of gum and you'll be all tied up.
This is a finessed wine that will be BRILLIANT with all sorts of cheese, the stinkier the better, and will partner beautifully with highly seasoned and spicy dishes. Think apricot-stuffed paprika chicken, Kadai Chicken, Aloo Gobi, and Tagines. When your food has heat, this flavor-packed wine makes for BIG smiles.
As with the Anjou Blanc, this was imported specifically for Vin Chicago. It is a veritable yum-factory of a wine for a FANTASTICALLY good price!
Vin Chicago Price: 26.99
