Winemaker Notes
Aged on its fine lees during a nicely relaxed élevage, in this wine you have the potpourri of Faugère’s aromatics—its black olives, thyme, sage, sea salt, and on the palate the sense of licking black stone. This is what Languedoc and Languedoc alone can do so well.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Earthy and wild berries on the nose, with nuances of liquorice and crunchy red fruits. Silky tannins, easy to drink.
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James Suckling
A flavorful, well-balanced and lively red blend of carignan, grenache, syrah and mourvedre showcasing notes of currants, cured meat, cloves and a touch of undergrowth. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Peppery and dense yet it remains agile and juicy, with a delicious finish that has excellent length. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Located at the foot of the Cévennes Mountains, which protect it from the cold inland air, the south-facing vineyards of Faugères catch the sun, while its altitude (200 to 400 m) grants cool nights for balanced ripeness of berries. The schist soils (resulting from an ancient sea-bottom) drain quickly and put profitable stress on the vines, making for excellent fruit. In their quest for quality, and to protect their best resource, the vignerons of the region have embraced sustainable, organic and biodynamic viticulture to an extraordinary degree.
Originally approved for reds and rosés in 1982, which continue to dominate its production, the quality of Faugères whites was recognized with AOC status in 2005. The principal red grapes of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (blended in any proportion) produce powerful, structured, herbal wines which embody the savory character of the garrigue. Fresh and lively when young, the best of them will age for a decade or more in the cellar.