"The balance of refinement and wildness is extraordinary, with neither trait calling too much attention to itself." Importer Neal Rosenthal gets the conversation underway on the 2020 Mas des Capitelles Faugeres Vieilles Vignes, and I couldn't have described this wine more accurately. I will add that this is a glorious bottle of wine that embodies everything I love about Southern French reds.
If you want to experience the best that the Languedoc has to offer and at the same time enjoy a wine that embodies the spirit of Table Wine, you've got to try this. This is a wine for lovers of traditionally-made, spicy, savory, and just downright delicious French reds. Trust me folks, this is made with the same TLC as top-flight Chateauneuf or Red Burgundy, but it's from the Languedoc, so it doesn't command the price. That's what makes me love it even more, and you will too!
2020 Mas des Capitelles Faugeres Vieilles Vignes
Ripe, spicy, finely balanced, and 100% delicious. - 94+ points - Yours Truly
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Wines like this come across my palate maybe 5 to 6 times a year. These are wines of a category I label as enchanting and seductive, and they remind me why I love and have worked in this business for nearly 25 years. Faugeres is one of the leading AOC's of the Languedoc, and this is as fine an example as you'll find anywhere in these parts.
A blend of 50% Mourvedre, 25% Carignan, and 25% Syrah, all from 80+ year-old vines, this is not only delicious, it's also certified-organic. Most importantly, everything is in balance here. There's intensity and restraint, power and finesse, and the ease with which this drinks should be illegal. Aromas of dark berries and plums dipped in cracked peppercorns and Provencal herbs lead the charge. On the palate, it's all spiced berries, herb, earth, and mineral. Quite full-bodied but very finely textured and fresh, this is a red that will enchant many.
Even better, it comes from a wonderful, small family-grower and producer. Despite the fact that Mas des Capitelles didn't start estate-bottling their own wines until 1999, the Lauge family have been farming the vineyards of Faugeres for 9 generations. Previously, they sold their grapes to the local coop, which Jean Lauge helped run. Jean followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a driving force in the creation of the Faugeres appellation in the early 1980's.
Today, father Jean Lauge is helped and encouraged by his two sons Brice and Cedric to push the boundaries of quality in a region known for its rustic and high-volume/value-priced wines. The Lauge sons encouraged their father to adopt organic viticultural practices, and the Mas des Capitelles achieved Ecocert certification beginning with the 2011 vintage. Today, they have implemented a number of biodynamic measures, and their wines are better than ever.
Sounds good right? Trust me, it's not just good, it's great! A truly artisanal bottle of wine at a great price, this drinks well with or without food. Enjoy with grilled lamb now, but stash a few bottles to serve with your favorite slow-braised stew once fall arrives.
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Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville