Faugères PDO

Wines with character that reflect the unique character of their terroir: the Faugères AOC surprises with its personality, full of finesse and nature. This Languedoc appellation is the result of the work of passionate winegrowers who are aware of the need to preserve their environment. Here, farming practices respect biodiversity and already more than a third of the production is carried out in organic and biodynamic agriculture. Great wines of the Languedoc, the Faugères AOC red, rosé and white wines have something to surprise you.

General presentation of the appellation faugères

The Faugères appellation area is located in the north of the Hérault department, about twenty kilometres from Béziers. Close to the AOC Saint-Chinian, the vineyard is backed by the first foothills of the Cévennes and has a tormented relief made up of hillsides culminating at 400 m and valleys. The AOC includes 7 communes: Faugères, Autignac, Cabrerolles, Caussiniojouls, Fos, Laurens and Roquessels.

The Faugères vineyard owes its particularity to the nature of its soil, composed exclusively of schist. This subsoil combined with a Mediterranean climate has encouraged the winegrowers to work on their cultivation methods in order to improve yields without sacrificing the quality and typicality of their wines. They have made their AOC a pioneer in maintaining biodiversity.

The Faugères AOC mainly produces red wines. The dominant grape varieties are Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Carignan. They are also blended for the rosé wines, which represent about 17% of the production. Since 2005, the AOC also includes white wines, which are produced in very small quantities: only 3% of production. Their grape varieties are Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Vermentino (or Relle), Clairette and Viognier.

A brandy is also produced here: the Fine Faugères.

Characteristics of Faugères

The Faugères AOC offers sunny, round, powerful and elegant wines, with a mineral framework due to the schist soils.

The reds reveal fruity and spicy aromas behind a deep colour with delicate scents of garrigue. With silky tannins even in their youth, these wines are best enjoyed in their 4th or 5th year. They then develop animal, leather and gunflint notes.

Faugères rosés have a pale and brilliant colour. They are fruity and greedy wines. The whites are complex and well-balanced, with a bouquet of citrus fruits, almonds, apricots and spices. Rosés and whites are best drunk young.

How to taste a Faugères

Faugères AOC red wine is usually served with red meats and game, roasted, grilled or stewed. This Languedoc wine can also be served with poultry and white meats. For cheese, it goes well with blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Auvergne blue cheese. It should be drunk at a temperature of about 16°.

A rosé from the Faugères appellation is ideal for the aperitif, especially if cold meats are invited. It is a summery wine, also to be served with grilled meat and fish. It should be served at a temperature of 10°. The whites go well with fine fish, such as sea bream. They should be drunk at around 11°.