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.
Marsanne is a white grape variety that originated in Montélimar in the Drôme, several centuries ago. Marsanne is also found in Cassis, Savoie, Languedoc-Roussillon and Saint-Péray in the Ardèche, where it produces remarkable sparkling wines. The warm, sunny climate of the Rhone Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence, as well as the dry, stony soil, are ideal conditions for its development. Its bunches are quite large and provide small, juicy berries that are sensitive to grey rot and strong winds. These two grape varieties complement each other perfectly: together they give light wines with little acidity, aromas of yellow fruit, white fruit and flowers with notes of honey and liquorice. This is for example what the appellations Saint-Péray, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Côtes-du-Vallée du Rhône, Corbières, or Cassis express... which represent about 700 hectares.
