Faugères

In 1948, the Faugères area was demarcated, and in 1982, Faugères wines were awarded the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designation for reds and rosés, followed by whites in 2005. The Faugères appellation is located north of Béziers and Pézenas, on a terroir that stretches from the plain to the foothills of the Cévennes at an altitude of 300 meters. The production area covers seven communes in the Hérault department: Autignac, Cabrerolles, Caussiniojouls, Faugères, Fos, Laurens, and Roquessels. 

Faugères wines are made from Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grapes, with Carignan and Cinsaut used occasionally for reds and rosés. Faugères white wines are made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Vermentino grapes, with Carignan blanc and Clairette used occasionally.

This Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée wine is produced on the hills of Espinouse at the foot of the Montagne Noire, the last foothills of the Massif Central. This AOC covers 2,000 hectares and its vines are planted at altitudes of up to 300 meters. Facing south, the vines grow on steep slopes, perfectly hugging the curves of these schistose hills. Schist is the main component of this terroir. It has the ability to retain water and store heat during sunny days. This heat is released during the night. This is why the winegrowers who produce this wine say that their grapes ripen during the night. The terroir benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Rainfall is rare and occurs in winter. These Languedoc lands are swept by the tramontane, a dry, cold wind that pushes the clouds away, and by the sea wind, laden with humidity, which brings the clouds back.

Bordering the Saint-Chinian area to the east, the Faugères region produces red, rosé, and white wines from the same trio of grape varieties as its neighbors: Carignan, Grenache, and Cinsault, with Syrah predominating in the blends.

The wines of Château des Estanilles, Domaine les Fusionels, and Domaine Jean-Michel Alquier are perfectly representative of the quality of this terroir.

With its beautiful ruby red color, Faugères red wine is very elegant and less rustic than its neighbor, Saint-Chinian. When well vinified, it is both refined and full-bodied. Faugères wine is supple and fruity, with subtle notes of spices, roasted coffee, and red berries. This is a wine that deserves patience, as after five years of aging, it exudes all its aromas with notes of licorice and undergrowth. Served at an ideal temperature of 16°C, this wine is a perfect accompaniment to game, dishes with sauce, and strong cheeses.

Rosé wines have a lighter color and release floral and red fruit notes. They are best enjoyed young. Ideally served at 10°C, they pair beautifully with charcuterie and can be served as an aperitif.

As for white Faugères wines, which are produced in smaller quantities, they have a beautiful, bright straw-yellow color with fruity notes of apricot, verbena, and citrus. Like the rosés, they are best drunk young but nevertheless have good aging potential. Served at a temperature of 11°C, they pair well with grilled fish or as an aperitif.

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