Deriving its name from the French term fougères — the powerfully aromatic ferns which grow across the region — Faugères is situated in the heart of Languedoc, about twenty miles away from the Mediterranean Sea nestled in the foothills of the Cévennes. It is perhaps France's most underrated AOC, and one of my little secret regions when it comes to finding hidden gems in southern France. I would even venture to say that Faugères is the Grand Cru of the Languedoc — a region whose wines are so distinct, expressive and of such high quality that they stand a cut above the rest. The secret is the region's schist soils.

The vineyards of Domaine Saint Antonin are comprised primarily of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and old-vine Grenache and Carignan, rooted in those same rocky, schistic soils. Frédéric Albaret takes an eco-conscious approach to farming — his vineyards are certified organic — and tends to the vines manually. His son is finishing his degree in oenology at Montpellier, at times, studying in the very vineyards in which he will be working with his father. Frédéric's 20+ years of dedication in the vineyards, coupled with his wine-making experience, result in wines of superb quality and depth.

The Domaine Saint Antonin Magnoux is a blend of 60% Mourvèdre, 30% Carignan and 10% Syrah. All fruit is destemmed and fermented in concrete, then aged for 18 months in 70% concrete and 30% 600 L oak barrels (a mix of new, first and second use). The Mourvèdre grapes come from the steepest section of Frédéric's vineyards and give the wine its frame and balance, while the old vine Carginan delivers freshness and the Syrah adds fruit and finesse. In the glass, the wine pours an alluring deep ruby color with purple highlights. The nose is fabulously expressive with intoxicating aromas of fresh black fruits, dried herbs, savory spice and a dusty, mineral note. On the palate, this powerful, full-bodied wine showcases incredibly soft, mouth-coating tannins that add an extra layer of polish to the concentrated fruit flavors. The decadent fruit is complemented by herbs and spice and a strong minerality reminiscent of drinking powdered rocks: it is this mineral core that gives the wines of Faugères their individuality, setting them apart from all others in Languedoc. The finish on the Magnoux is long, seductive and complex with an alluring freshness. There is no better way to experience the beauty of Faugères. I recommend decanting the Magnoux as it will need some time to open up, though feel free to put some aside in your cellar: like any Grand Cru, this wine will age beautifully.