Faugères AOP Wine Region in the Languedoc
When you think of the word “Faugères” what image comes to mind?
While you may not find an exact translation from the French language, the name (perhaps to me only) presents an image of a fawn sipping water by a bubbling brook.
Romantic, I know.
Yet visit this beautiful area in the Languedoc region of France. When you walk through the many vineyards, you will understand why it is one of the more important wine regions.
Faugères AOP: Mountains. Hills. Windmills.
Like the images evoked from its name, this bucolic region is all about soaring mountains, rolling hills, and mills because of its iconic winds.
In this brief introduction to the Faugères AOP, I’d like to introduce the style of its mostly red wines and why they are the best value today.
What is the Faugères AOP?
Faugères AOP is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon area of Southern France.
Though the Faugères AOP region is known mostly for its red wine, you will find gastronomic white wines and delicious rosé wines too.
If you love ancient castles dating from the 12th century, iron-age stone huts to shelter shepherds and vignerons from ancient days, and natural beauty – the Faugères AOP is your place.
You will find quaint accommodations and restaurants in Faugères. Yet if you are not used to the quiet French countryside, you might prefer to spend the night in nearby Montpellier, known for Michelin restaurants and hotels.
Why the Wine of Faugères AOP is Important
Faugères AOP is one of the most highly regarded quality-wine regions in the Languedoc.
One short explanation is because of its unique, nearly 100% schist soil. Also its gently sloping vineyards. Both of these elements help vignerons produce superior grapes that lend to the most delicious wine.
The Faugères appellation also features a tightly controlled governing body mandating an assortment of rules. Abiding by these quality-control rules are necessary if producers / vignerons are to put the Faugères designation on the label.
This is the key reason why when you see the Faugères AOP on a wine bottle, you know you are purchasing a quality wine –usually for a very affordable price.
More About the Faugères AOP Wine
This area is famous for its rich, ripe red wine made from classic Rhone Valley varieties. They include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and the Mediterranean grapes Cinsault with some Llodoner Pelut.
The hills of Faugères provide protection from cold winds so it is a classic Mediterranean climate.
The Producers of Faugères AOP
During my brief visit, I met with many chateau owners of the region.
The meeting took place at the cooperative in Faugères. Welcoming me with enthusiasm were small producers who used the cooperative winemaking facilities to make and age their wines.
This is an ancient practice all over the Old World to share winemaking information, and the expense of winemaking tools and tanks.
During harvest, one can see grape growers bring their grapes to the cooperative. Then watch as the grapes tumble into the tank.
Jamie Goode, a respected author and wine critic, shot this video on YouTube.com – here is the link with many thanks.
At The Faugures AOP Cooperative
The vignerons (grape growers) get paid on the basis of the quality of their fruit. Machines measure the grapes for quality upon arrival utilizing a complex measurement system.
The cooperative itself was built in 1953 and retains its old-world characteristics today. Visitors and local residents can buy the resulting wine from the cooperative at two centers in the area.
During my visit, I tasted the freshly pressed “juice” of the Faugères region. The next steps of the wine processing system would be alcoholic fermentation of the must (grape juice) then maturation of the wine in stainless steel, wood, or cement.
Dinner at a Faugères Chateau
Domaine Ollier-Taillefer is a family estate in the north-eastern part of the AOC Faugères appellation.
This domaine was kind enough to invite me for a dinner of wild boar, personally shot by the owner.
In addition to Domaine Ollier Taillerfer’s warm hospitality and delicious food, wines from other producers in the region were served in a tasting and at dinner.
Domaine Ollier Taillerfer got its start in 1977 when the family sold the “first bottle” produced on the estate.
Previous to that time, the family made wine but it was often sold in bulk, not bottled under their own individual name.
At that time, Faugères wines were only VDQS (“vin délimité de qualité supérieure”). AOC (“appellation d’origine contrôlée”) status was achieved in 1982 (decree of 5 May).
Domaine Ollier Taillerfer Today
Today the estate is run by Luc and Françoise Ollier, brother and sister. They represent the 5th generation of locally-born wine-makers and are responsible for their family’s 36 hectares of AOC Faugères vineyards.
In 2020, Florent Ollier, Luc’s youngest son, joined the estate and became a partner with his father and aunt.
The story continues…
Final Thoughts About Faugères
This beautiful region is easily accessible from the major city of Montpellier (link) and also from almost any city in the Languedoc.
Wine of Faugères is one of the most elegant of the Languedoc, partly due to the famous schist soil.
If you visit, note that you will need a car, because distances are very far apart.
But even if you do not physically visit Faugères, you will enjoy the wine of this excellent region, accessible from virtually every market.
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