Why it matters
The producer
Stainless steel is the chosen vessel at Champagne Forget-Chemin. Pneumatic pressing feeds temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation, and the house uses no oak because the vessel is intended to add nothing external to the wine. Vineyard work follows lutte raisonnée, with plowing between rows where appropriate and pesticides eschewed. The house holds HVE Level 3 certification and searches for wines of pleasure, generosity, and a vinous character.
Thierry Forget brings oenology training to the direction of the house. Forget-Chemin works from its own cellars, carrying out the production process from harvest through bottling.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Ludes is a premier cru village in Montagne de Reims. The vineyard extends through villages in the Vallée de la Marne as well as places such as Mailly-Champagne and Verzenay. Champagne village names identify commune origin, while this house works with fruit from several communes. The vineyard extends through 11 villages, with Ludes as its home base.
Wines to know
The range in view
Carte Blanche Brut is the reserve led house blend. Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay appear in equal parts, and the cuvée usually contains a majority of reserve wine, with as little as 30 percent from the most recent harvest. Reserve wine helps moderate the effect of one harvest on the finished blend.
Special Club 2019 is the vintage cuvée in the range. It underwent alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The 2019 vintage comes from a sunny year and is powerful.