Faugeres is an appellation in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. Although it also covers white and rosé wines, the appellation is best known for its Rich, ripe red wines made from the classic Rhone varieties of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, as well as the more MediterraneanCinsaut and Lladoner Pelut. The appellation covers the southern slopes of a series of hills only a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. The town of Faugeres forms the centre of the area, which extends 10 km from east to west.
The town of Carcassonne is a Short distance to the southwest. This position is very important for the Terroir of Faugeres, as the hills protect against the cold influences of the northern Massif Central and orient the vines towards the prevailing sun. This gives Faugeres a Warm, classically Mediterranean Climate, where even the later grape varieties like Mourvèdre can reach Full maturity. As is often the case, the best sites are on the steeper slopes at the top of the hill, while the vineyards on the plains stretching out towards the sea produce mostly lower quality wines that are often sold under the regional PGI title.
Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Bordeaux. The Libourne region is its terroir where it develops best. The terroirs of Saint-Emilion and Fronsac allow it to mature and develop its best range of aromas. It is also the majority in many blends. The very famous Château Cheval Blanc, for example, uses 60% Cabernet Franc. The wines produced with Cabernet Franc are medium in colour with fine tannins and subtle aromas of small red fruits and spices. When blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings complexity and a bouquet of aromas to the wine. It produces fruity wines that can be drunk quite quickly, but whose great vintages can be kept for a long time. It is an earlier grape variety than Cabernet Sauvignon, which means that it is planted as far north as the Loire Valley. In Anjou, it is also used to make sweet rosé wines. Cabernet Franc is now used in some twenty countries in Europe and throughout the world.
red wines from the region of Faugères go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pasta or veal such as recipes of piglet shoulder with melting baked apples, shrimp marinade or veal simmered with vegetables.
On the nose in the region of Faugères often reveals types of flavors of earth, red fruit or cherry and sometimes also flavors of smoke, earthy or red fruit. In the mouth in the region of Faugères is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
