Faugères is a village and a wine-producing appellation area of the southern France’s Languedoc wine region, with a unique terroir made of homogenous schists.
Location
The vineyards of Faugères span over nearly 2000 hectares (5000 acres) and around 7 villages in an area located 20km (12 miles) Northwest of Béziers, a 40-minute drive from the Mediterranean coast of Languedoc.
Faugères Wine Map by Faugeres.com
Climate & Soils – Terroir of Schist
Faugères benefits from an unusual and specific geological history, that compressed an ancient sea bed during the formation of the French Alps and the Pyrenees mountain ranges.
The result is an appellation area entirely covered in a characteristic schist rock, homogenous across the whole appellation, only varying slightly in composition and hue: yellow, orange, ochre, or even some beautiful blue tones generally at deeper levels.
Soils here soils are known for their capacity to drain excessive water during the heavy and sudden rainfalls that the area can receive. Yet, the cracks in the bedrock allow the roots to dip deep in search of the moisture they need the heat of the Mediterranean summer.
The landscape of Faugères is composed of ridges rising between 200m and 400m above sea level, and scored by small valleys. This hilly countryside is therefore covered in sloppy vineyards, Holm oak woods, and garriques.
The climate is typically Mediterranean, featuring mild winters and hot summers, while the rainfalls are often the result of spring and summer thunder storms.
Faugères AOC/AOP Regulations
Faugères appellation now covers all 3 colors: white, rosé, and red.
The wines of Faugères were classified as VDQS (Vins de Qualité Supérieure) in 1955 and were granted AOC status in 1982 for its reds and rosés.
The area’s white wines were promoted to AOC status more recently in 2005.
The area also proudly produces Eau de Vie (brandy) under an old local tradition. Called Fine de Faugères, the eau de vie was classified as AOC in 1948.
Faugères in Key Figures
- 1 943 hectares of vineyards
- 150 grape growers
- 1 cooperative winery
- 57 private wine producers (see list below)
Grape Varieties & Wine Production
Reds and rosés
Blended from the tradition Languedoc red grape varieties: Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah mainly while Cinsault and Lledoner Pellut are also allowed but found in lesser amounts.
Whites
The whites can be made from blending Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Rolle (Vermentino).
Recommended Faugères Wines, Ratings & Reviews
2016 Les Crus Faugères ‘Parfum de Schistes’ Rosé, Languedoc, France
List of all Faugères Wineries
Château des Adouzes
Domaine Alquier Frédéric
Domaine Alquier Jean-Michel
Les Amants de la Vigneronne
Domaine de l’ Ancienne mercerie
Château Anglade
Domaine l’Arbussele
Domaine l’Epidaure
Domaine Balliccioni
Domaine Binet-Jacquet
Domaine Bois de Rose
Cadenat Jacques & Marie
Domaine du Causse Noir
Caussignac Rémy
Domaine Cauvy
Cave coopérative Caveau des Schistes
Domaine de Cébène
Château Chenaie
Château de Ciffre
Domaine Clamouse
Clos Fantine
Gaec le Colombier
Domaine Cottebrune
Dalmas Thierry
Château des Estanilles
Fardel Rémy
Domaine de Fenouillet
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Domaine les Fusionels
Gippal Jean-Pierre
la Grange d’Aïn
Château de Grézan
Château Haut-Fabrègues
Château Haut-Lignières
Château La Liquière
Domaine Léon Barral
Cave coopérative Les Crus Faugères
Mas Angel
Mas d’Alezon
Mas des Capitelles
Mas Gabinèle
Mas Lou
Mas Nicolas
Mas Onésime
Domaine du Météore
Domaine Montgros
Domaine Ollier-Taillefer
Château des Peyregrandes
Domaine des Prés Lasses
Domaine Raymond Roque & Fils
Domaine de la Reynardière
Domaine du Rouge Gorge
Domaine Saint Antonin
Domaine Sainte-Cécile
Domaine Saint Martin d’Agel
Domaine Sarabande
Château de Sauvanès
Château Sunpool
Domaine Schisterelle
Abbaye Sylva-Plana
Domaine de la Tour Penedesses
Domaine des Trinités
Domaine Valambelle