Faugères Wine Region Guide

Magical Schist Soils

Faugères appellation covers 21 square kilometers north of Béziers and Pézenas and climbs up to 300 meters above sea level of altitude. This appellation produces 7,360,000 liters of wines each year, averagely.

Near Saint-Chinian, the soil is mainly composed of shale. Moreover, locally, it is said that the grapes ripen at night when the shale restores the heat stored in the day. There are also clays from marine deposits of the primary era.

Classically Mediterranean Climate

The climate here is the Mediterranean with a mountain influence. The Faugères (most of whose production is vinified in red) comes mainly from carignan, cinsault, grenache, mourvèdre, and syrah grapes. The reds of Faugères have aromas of coffee, licorice, and spices. The rosé wines are defined as soft and fruity, with aromas of red fruits. They are very appreciated as an aperitif. White wines are fresh wines with citrus fruits and exotic fruits, with good aging potential. In Faugères appellation, 80% of grape production is used to make red wines.

Embracing Natural Ways

Since 1996, the winemakers of Faugères (the youngest in France and many women) have engaged in organic farming. This appellation is working on its visual identity and has just given itself a new lease of life by renaming itself “Faugères, the Nature shale appellation”.

Explore Wineries in Faugères

A part of the important features of Faugères appellation for white wines are as follows:

• Soil: Shale and clay.
• Grape varieties: Rousanne, white Grenache, Marsanne, and Vermentino.
• Taste: Well balanced.
• Wine color: White wines with golden color.
• Aromas: Citrus fruits and exotic fruits.
• Aging potential: 1 – 6 years.
• Serving temperature: 10 to 12° C

A part of the important features of Faugères appellation for red wines are as follows:

• Soil: Shale and clay.
• Grape varieties: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
• Taste: Light.
• Wine color: Red and a dark ruby cherry color.
• Aromas: Coffee, licorice, and spices.
• Aging potential: 2 – 5 years.
• Serving temperature: 14 to 16° C

A part of the important features of Faugères appellation for rose wines are as follows:

• Soil: Shale and clay.
• Grape varieties: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah.
• Taste: Soft.
• Wine color: Rose.
• Aromas: Red fruits.
• Aging potential: 1 – 6 years.
• Serving temperature: 9 to 11° C

Discover Wine Tastings and Tours in Faugères