Mas Gabinèle’s “Cuvée Rarissime” 2019 from Faugères AOC in the Languedoc is an exceptional red wine that captures the essence of this historic French region. This cuvée is generally a blend typical of Faugères, often marrying Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes. The 2019 vintage benefited from a sunny yet balanced growing season, allowing the grapes to reach their full maturity while maintaining freshness. Vinification at Mas Gabinèle is meticulous, with careful extraction and ageing, sometimes partially in oak barrels, to develop complexity without masking the vibrant fruit character. In the glass, you can expect an intense and expressive bouquet of dark berries—blackcurrant and blackberry—enriched by notes of garrigue, spices, and a subtle hint of liquorice. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, boasting well-structured tannins and a lingering, aromatic finish.
The Faugères appellation is nestled in the hilly hinterland north of Béziers, within the Languedoc, and is distinguished by its schist soils. This type of soil retains heat and aids drainage, giving wines remarkable minerality and freshness amid the typically hot Mediterranean climate. The region’s rugged terrain and winds help protect the vines from disease. Historically, Faugères was known for its traditional, robust reds, but estates like Mas Gabinèle have raised the quality bar, producing elegant and profound wines that beautifully express their terroir.
For food pairings, the “Cuvée Rarissime” excels alongside richly flavoured dishes. Its bold structure and aromatic richness complement grilled lamb with herbs, beef daube Provençale, or Mediterranean vegetable gratins. It also pairs beautifully with hard cheeses like aged Comté or Cantal. For a regional touch, try it with cassoulet or duck confit, which will harmonise with the wine’s savoury notes.
To enjoy its full potential, decant the wine for an hour before serving. The ideal tasting temperature is 16-18°C, which will bring out the depth of aromatics while keeping the palate fresh and lively. This wine can be savoured now for its generosity or cellared for several more years to further reveal its complexity.
