Faugères

As early as 1948, the Faugères area was delimited, and in 1982, Faugères wines were awarded the appellation d'origine contrôlée for red and rosé wines, and in 2005 for white wines. The Faugères appellation lies north of Béziers and Pézenas, on a terroir that rises from the plain to the foothills of the Cévennes at an altitude of 300 meters. The production area is spread over 7 communes in the Hérault department: Autignac, Cabrerolles, Caussiniojouls, Faugères, Fos, Laurens and Roquessels. 

Faugères wines are made from Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Carignan and Cinsaut for reds and rosés. Faugères white wines are made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino and, to a lesser extent, Carignan blanc and Clairette.

This Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée wine is produced in the Espinouse hills at the foot of the Montagne Noire, the last foothills of the Massif Central. This AOC covers 2,000 hectares, with vines planted at altitudes of up to 300m. South-facing, the vines grow on the steep slopes, perfectly following the curves of these schistose hills. Schist is the main component of this terroir. It retains water and stores heat on sunny days. This heat is released at night. This is why the winemakers who produce this wine say that their grapes ripen during the night. The terroir enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Precipitation is scarce and wintry. These Languedoc soils are swept by the tramontane, a dry, cold wind that pushes back clouds, and by the so-called sea wind, laden with humidity, which brings back clouds.

Bordering the Saint-Chinian area to the east, the Faugères region produces red, rosé and white wines from the same trilogy of grape varieties as their neighbors: carignan, grenache and cinsault, with syrah dominating the blends.

Wines from Château des Estanilles, Domaine les Fusionels or Domaine Jean-Michel Alquier are perfectly representative of the quality of this terroir.

With its beautiful ruby-red color, Faugères red shows great elegance and is less rustic than its Saint-Chinian neighbor. Well vinified, it is both fine and fleshy. Faugères wine is supple and fruity, with subtle notes of spice, roasted coffee and red fruit. It's a wine that deserves patience, because after 5 years of cellaring, it will bring out all its aromas of licorice and undergrowth. Served at an ideal temperature of 16°, this wine is the perfect accompaniment to game, sauce dishes and strong cheeses.

Rosé wines have a lighter color and release floral and red fruit notes. They are best drunk young. Ideally served at 10°, it enhances charcuterie and can be served as an aperitif.

As for the white Faugères, which are produced on a smaller scale, they are a lovely, luminous straw-yellow color with fruity accents of apricot, verbena and citrus. Like the rosés, they are best drunk young, but have good cellaring potential. Served at a temperature of 11°, they are ideal with grilled fish or as an aperitif.

Among the best Faugères wines and producers are Domaine Jean Michel Alquier, Domaine Saint Antonin, Domaine du Causse Noire and Château des Estanilles.