Faugères 2013

The history of Faugères, like many communes in the Languedoc, is punctuated by violent episodes. A hotbed of the Reform movement, it suffered the full force of the Dragonnades and the destructive measures that followed the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. It was only after the Revolution that the commune was able to return to its true calling: the growing of vines. In the 19th century, it became famous for its brandy, distilled in a Charentes pot still, that was very rare in the Languedoc, and was given the name "Fine". Distillation recommenced in 2000, and the first "Fine de Faugères" became available on the market in 2006. Faugères' borders were fixed in 1948, and in 1982 the appellation gained AOC approval for its red and rosé wines. This terroir in the north of the Héraut adjoins the foothills of the Montagne Noire ("Black Mountain"), between the Orb valley and the Béziers plain. Faugères' vines are south-facing, planted in a terroir consisting of Palaeozoic schist, on steep slopes in poor but very well-drained soil. When young, Faugères wines tend to have toasty, smoky notes with scents of red berries, liquorice and spices. With age they develop animal notes and aromas of roasted coffee. Since 2005, white Faugères has also made, from Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Rolle (or Vermentino).