Rosemary george MW
Domaine Frédéric Brouca / January 13th 2015
A few days in the Languedoc, with Frédéric Brouca and Jean-Michel Alquier.
During my New Year visit to the Languedoc ../.. I had some rather delicious bottles of Faugères to check out. The wines of a new estate, with a first vintage in 2013, are just coming onto the market. Look out for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. He has made four quite distinctive cuvées.
"Samsó Seuille", Vin de France 13⁰ - SRP $25
A pure Cinsault from a single vineyard "La Serre", with forty year old organic bush vines. Seventy percent whole bunch pressing and the wine has spent ten months on fine lees in a stainless steel tank.
For me it is absolutely classic Cinsault. I love the fresh cherry fruit on both nose and palate, with a light streak of tannin and some acidity, with a slightly leathery warm note on the finish. It is fresh, youthful and fragrant.
"Champs Pentus", Faugères 13.5⁰ - SRP $20
40 per cent Syrah with 30 per cent each of Carignan and Grenache aged for ten months half in tank and half in foudres.
The nose was quite firm with some closed red fruit and on the palate there was depth and more tannin. The palate was nicely fleshy, rounded and balanced, with a youthful peppery note.
"Montée la Serre", Faugères 13.5⁰ - 20€
A blend of 40 per cent Syrah, 30 per cent Grenache, 25 per cent Carignan and 5 per cent Cinsaut. Ten months élevage in two to four year old barrels. This was the wine I liked least, as there was a slightly reductive note on the nose. However, the palate was better with a slightly warm dusty note, as well as some ripe red fruit and a streak of tannin, which was nicely integrated.
"Clos Sauveplane", Faugères 13.5⁰ - SRP $40
From two isolated vineyards, on the eastern edge of the appellation, with 20 year old Mourvèdre, planted en échalas with a high density and 30 year old Syrah, aged for thirteen months in foudre. Deep young colour. Firm youthful sturdy nose, with some firm red fruit, and on the palate youthful and structure with firm tannins, and fresh red fruit, and an elegant finish. The wine will develop well with some bottle age.