France — wine

Faugères AOC

Languedoc sub-appellation on ancient schist soils west of Montpellier; the unique blue-grey schist produces wines of mineral intensity and distinctive character quite unlike limestone-based Languedoc. Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre dominate; Carignan from old vines adds complexity. Also produces white wines (including Roussanne and Marsanne). Schist soils retain heat and drain exceptionally; wines have extraordinary minerality.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Warm conditions; schist retained heat well; concentrated wines with characteristic mineral backbone
2021 Good growing season; mineral precision from schist; Syrah shows pepper and dark fruit elegance
2020 Excellent vintage; schist soils produced focused, mineral wines; benchmark year for quality Faugères
2019 Good year; schist mineral well-expressed; Carignan old vines show distinctive earthy character
2018 Warm year; schist heat retention produced concentrated wines; Syrah and Mourvèdre particularly rich