The wines of Faugères in the Languedoc region | Rosemary George MW

Faugères is one of the most distinctive appellations in Languedoc. While it produces white and rosé wines, it is best known for its rich, ripe red wines made from the traditional grape varieties Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Established in 1982, the Faugères wine appellation consistently produces excellent wines, thanks to the unique soil composition of the steep hills surrounding the village of Faugères. The schist soil provides exceptional drainage and moisture retention, imparting a distinct minerality to the wines. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, hot summers and short, cold winters, combined with Faugères' proximity to the coast, results in wines that are elegant and distinctive.

Despite being a small vineyard compared to other Languedoc appellations, Faugères offers a wide variety of wines influenced by human intervention and the unique characteristics of each village. The white wines, comprising only 2% of the appellation, reflect the evolving quality of white wines in Languedoc, with herbal flavors reminiscent of the local garrigue herbs like fennel, bay, and thyme. The pink Faugères wines, representing 18% of the appellation, provide a refreshing and fruity option with balanced acidity. Faugères wines are known for their freshness, positioning them among the finest in Languedoc.

Rosemary George's book, Wines of Faugères, offers a comprehensive guide to the wines of this compact and cohesive region, which includes seven villages and a couple of hamlets. The book explores the history, geography, and climate of Faugères, as well as its grape varieties and winemaking techniques. It also profiles the individual producers and their wines and provides a valuable assessment of vintages dating back to 1982 when the appellation was established.

Although Faugères wines are not widely known outside of France, they are poised to be the next global wine discovery. Rosemary George's Wines of Faugères serves as the most current and authoritative guide to this beautiful region and its intriguing wines.