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.
Mainly cultivated in the Languedoc region, carignan originates from Spain. Because of its very resistant branches, it is often called hardwood. Its bunches are quite large. They are compact and winged with a lignified stalk. The berries are spherical in shape and take on a bluish-black colour. Carignan has a total of 25 approved clones, the best known of which are 274, 65 and 9. The carignan buds at the beginning of June and is protected from spring frosts. It does not reach maturity until the third period. Also, this grape variety needs warmth and sunshine. It appreciates dry and not very fertile soils. Carignan vines can live for more than 100 years. Those that are more than 30 years old produce a better wine. This wine is well coloured. It is generous and powerful at the same time. Pepper, cherry, blackberry, banana, raspberry, almond, prune and violet are some of the aromas that this grape variety gives off.
red wines from the region of Faugères go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pasta or veal such as recipes of melt-in-the-mouth pork tenderloin casserole, tuna lasagna or flights in the wind à la provençale.
On the nose in the region of Faugères often reveals types of flavors of earth, blackberry or red fruit and sometimes also flavors of licorice, raspberry or microbio. In the mouth in the region of Faugères is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
