Faugères

As early as 1948, the Faugères region was officially defined, and in 1982, Faugères wines were granted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status for reds and rosés, and in 2005 for white wines. The Faugères appellation is located north of Béziers and Pézenas, on a terroir that stretches from the plain up to the foothills of the Cévennes at an altitude of 300 meters. The production area spans seven municipalities 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 some Carignan and Cinsaut used for the reds and rosés. Faugères white wines are made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Vermentino grapes, with some white Carignan and Clairette used as well.

This Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wine is produced on the hills of Espinouse at the foot of the Montagne Noire, the final foothills of the Massif Central. This AOC covers 2,000 hectares, and its vineyards are planted at altitudes of up to 300 meters. Facing due south, the vines grow on steep slopes, perfectly hugging the curves of these schist-rich 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 at night. This is why the winemakers who produce this wine say that their grapes ripen overnight. The terroir benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Rainfall is rare and occurs mainly in winter. These Languedoc lands are swept by the tramontane, a dry, cold wind that drives away the clouds, and by the so-called “marine” wind, laden with moisture, which, on the contrary, brings the clouds back.

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

The wines from Château des Estanilles, Domaine les Fusionels, and Domaine Jean-Michel Alquier perfectly exemplify the qualities of this terroir.

With its beautiful ruby-red color, Faugères red wine displays great elegance and is less rustic than its neighbor, Saint-Chinian. When well-crafted, 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 rewards patience, as after five years of aging, it fully reveals its aromas of licorice and forest floor. Served at an ideal temperature of 16°, this wine pairs wonderfully with game, dishes with rich sauces, and bold cheeses.

Rosé wines have a lighter color and offer floral and red fruit notes. This wine is best enjoyed young. Ideally served at 10°, it pairs beautifully with cold cuts and can be served as an aperitif.

As for white Faugères—which are produced in more limited quantities—they have a lovely, bright straw-yellow color with fruity notes of apricot, verbena, and citrus. Like the rosés, they are best enjoyed young but still have good aging potential. Served at 11°, they pair well with grilled fish or as an aperitif.

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