Vineyards, Grape Varieties and Winegrowers
The Faugères vineyard
The Faugères vineyard is located north of Béziers, in the foothills of the Cévennes, between the Saint Chinian appellation to the west and Languedoc Pézenas to the east. It stretches around the villages of Faugères, Laurens and Cabrerolles, on medium-altitude hillsides that reach altitudes of between 300 and 400 m.
The climate is Mediterranean. Subject to alternating hot, dry summers and mild winters, the vineyards benefit from regulating influences, tempered by the altitude and the air currents descending from the Cévennes mountains. The grey and brown schist soils are the geological signature of the appellation. Forcing the vines to draw moisture from deep within the soil, this mineral substrate promotes the concentration of the juices. It gives Faugères wines a mineral freshness and tannic finesse characteristic of the appellation.
Yields of around 30 hectoliters per hectare guarantee quality viticulture. This is evidenced by the winemakers' adoption of the designation "Faugères – Grand Terroir de Schiste," which they reserve for their most representative wines, thus reinforcing their aspiration for a distinct cru identity.
Grape varieties of the appellation
The Faugères terroir is naturally dominated by Mediterranean red grape varieties. Syrah , Grenache , Carignan , Mourvèdre , and Cinsault form the foundation of the appellation. Syrah lends its notes of red and black fruit and spice to the red and rosé wines. Grenache contributes roundness and a bouquet of ripe red fruit. Carignan structures the blends with its freshness and tannic framework. Mourvèdre adds depth and aging potential. Cinsault, for its part, offers finesse and a crisp fruitiness, particularly appreciated in rosés.
The white wines of Faugères showcase other southern grape varieties: Roussanne , Grenache Blanc , Marsanne , Rolle , Clairette , and Viognier. Roussanne and Marsanne contribute volume and aromatic complexity, with floral and honeyed notes. Grenache Blanc and Clairette provide structure and length on the palate, while Rolle—or Vermentino —brings freshness and citrus notes to the wines. Viognier enriches the aromatic profile with its hints of stone fruit and white flowers.
The wines of Faugères
The Faugères AOP is among the few appellations in Languedoc to produce wines in all three colors.
Red wines traditionally make up the vast majority of the production. They exhibit excellent concentration, generous fruit ripeness, and a structuring freshness that lengthens the finish. The tannins, often firm yet elegant, refine their finesse after a few years of aging, resulting in wines of seductive character.
Rosé wines, made from the same grape varieties, offer profiles of crisp fruit and sweet spices. Depending on the winemaker's style, their colors range from pale pink to deeper shades. Among the rosés of Languedoc , they are distinguished by their pleasant tension and flavorful finish, inherited from the schist soils. The rosés of Faugères are gastronomic wines rather than simply thirst-quenching.
The white wines , more recent additions to the appellation, deserve attention. They are distinguished by aromas of white flowers, citrus, and yellow-fleshed fruits. On the palate, they offer a fresh and often slightly saline structure, inherited from the minerality of the soils and altitude. Their expressive characteristics contribute to the rise of these more structured Mediterranean whites, equally suited to meals or as an aperitif.
In terms of food and wine pairings, Faugères red wines go well with grilled or roasted meats, as well as slow-cooked dishes inspired by garrigue cuisine, featuring thyme, rosemary, and olives. Rosé wines naturally complement composed salads, charcuterie boards, and grilled meats. White wines pair beautifully with Mediterranean fish and shellfish, dishes made with sun-ripened vegetables, and certain pressed cheeses.
Meetings with winemakers from the Faugères PDO
Mas Onésime: the “Jour Fruit” vintages
