Domaine de Cebene, Faugeres 'Les Bancels' 2019

Les Bancels, old patois for terraces, is an extraordinary 1ha north-facing (NE to NW) vineyard terraced by "les ancien". They carved into a rocky schist hillock (320m) following the elevation contours to prevent leaching of the soils. This is one of Brigitte's favourite plots to work on for its "vibration and energy" as well as the stunning panoramic view. Mainly syrah and some grenache were replanted a little more than 20 years ago, and Brigitte blends them with mourvèdre from a due south-facing plot.

In 2006, well-known oenologist Brigitte Chevalier purchased a few hectares of gnarled old vines in Faugeres north of Beziers. The qualitative and dynamic Faugeres AC is renowned for its “grand terroir de schiste” – thin soils developed on underlying schist, here evident in brittle, thin layers, with lots of iron. A geological homogeneity which makes for characterful and age-worthy wines with verticality and sapidity.

Another big draw for Brigitte was the altitude and cool climate of the AC, swept by winds coming down from the Massif Central via the Haut-Languedoc, "I've always wanted to make vin du nord in the south!", she likes to state.

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