A Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to the Loire Valley | Eater

"Domaine des Forges began in 1890, when Pierre Robineau bought five acres of vines. Now, five generations later, the wines, from sweet chenin blancs to dry sauvignon blancs, are award-winning, and its vineyard has received a High Environmental Value certification. This winery in Anjou makes dry and mineral-rich, complex chenin blanc Savennières, as well as sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. But it is now famous for its sweet wine: In 2022, their Quarts-de-Chaume was awarded the title of best sweet wine in the world. It’s named after how, in medieval times, a quarter of the barrels would be reserved for the Lord of Chaume, who would only choose the best for himself. The wine is made from chenin blanc grapes affected with botrytis, also known as noble rot, which grows on the grapes in the morning mist and concentrates its sugar. Tastings at the winery are available with a reservation, and there is also a home on the property for booking." - Lee Musho