Recognised in 1982, the Faugères AOC stretches across seven communes in northern Hérault, spanning close to 2,000 hectares of layered schist. In red, it produces some of the most minerally and distinctive wines of the entire Languedoc — built equally for the table and for the cellar.

A schist terroir, rare on French ground

Nestled against the first foothills of the Massif Central, between 200 and 400 metres of altitude, the Faugères appellation rests on an exceptional geological base: layered schist formed in the Primary era, locally enriched with quartz, red sandstone or grey marble. These poor, free-draining, acidic soils force the vine to root deeply, translating in the glass into a tight minerality, fine-grained tannins and the mouthwatering signature that sets the appellation apart. Faugères is one of the very few French AOC reds grown on schist — a geological outlier within the patchwork of the Languedoc.

A Mediterranean climate tempered by altitude

The appellation's climate is Mediterranean — hot, dry summers and mild winters — but altitude and the airflow between the valleys bring a decisive cool-down at night. This diurnal swing preserves aromatic precision and natural acidity in the berries, which is why Faugères reds steer clear of the heaviness sometimes criticised in other Languedoc wines. The surrounding garrigue — thyme, rosemary, cistus, broom — leaves its aromatic mark on the wines, especially on the finish.

A sharply defined red profile, from fruit to long ageing

Faugères reds are built around five flagship Languedoc grapes, in varying proportions from one estate to the next:

1. Syrah and mourvèdre bring structure, depth and ageing potential.
2. Grenache contributes roundness, ripe fruit and sun-soaked generosity.
3. Carignan and cinsault, often from old vines, add freshness, salinity and character.

Styles span the full range, from approachable, fruit-forward entry-level cuvées — ready to drink on release — to single-parcel wines aged in barrel or demi-muid, capable of cellaring for ten years or more. The common thread runs through every bottle: schist minerality, tight but fine-grained tannins and a mouthwatering finish that calls for the table.

Our selected estates in Faugères red

At Halles de Quercamps, we've chosen three signatures that cover the main sensibilities of the appellation:

1. Abbaye Sylva Plana (Bouchard family), 54 hectares farmed organically and biodynamically on the appellation's historic schist soils, heir to a Cistercian grange founded in 1139 — selected for the precision and consistency of its red cuvées.
2. Domaine Cottebrune, the Faugères estate of northern-Rhône winemaker Pierre Gaillard — selected for a Northern Rhône vinification touch applied to Mediterranean grapes.
3. La Tour Penedesses, a certified organic estate on the appellation's volcanic hillsides — selected for a basaltic terroir that is rare even within Faugères itself.

Three estates, three complementary readings of the same territory, together drawing the aromatic palette of the appellation as we love to champion it.

Browse our Faugères red wines

Explore our full selection of red Faugères AOC wines below. Expert merchant advice, food-and-wine pairings and careful shipping to the UK: we'll help you choose the Faugères that suits you best.