Viniou Reviews
The Domaine Météore “Cuvée Léonides” 2020 is an engaging red wine from the Faugères AOC in Languedoc, crafted as a vibrant reflection of its Mediterranean terroir. This cuvée, typically a blend dominated by Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, offers an expressive aroma with notes of blackberries, garrigue herbs, and subtle spices. The 2020 vintage benefitted from a warm, even growing season, resulting in ample ripeness, balanced by the schist soils distinctive to Faugères. Winemaking at Domaine Météore is thoughtful, with careful extraction during fermentation to preserve the fruit and aromatic freshness, followed by ageing in tanks or older barrels to maintain varietal purity and the mineral imprint of the local soils.
Faugères is one of the Languedoc’s most intriguing appellations, perched on rugged hills north of Béziers. The region is renowned for its characteristic schist soils, which impart a minerality and finesse to the wines, alongside the richness typical of southern France. The climate is decidedly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, cool nights, and plentiful sunshine, giving ripe, robust reds with wild herb nuances. Faugères has long been a region of vigneron-driven innovation, balancing deep tradition with a contemporary approach to expressive, terroir-driven wines.
For pairings, the Cuvée Léonides 2020’s supple tannins and herbal spice complement grilled lamb with rosemary, cassoulet, and Mediterranean vegetable dishes such as ratatouille. Local cheeses like Pélardon or a semi-aged Tomme round out a meal beautifully. The wine’s depth and savoury profile also lend it to pairing with robust pork dishes or slow-roasted beef.
For an optimal tasting experience, decanting the wine an hour before serving is recommended to soften the tannins and enhance aromatic complexity. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to best highlight the wine’s fruit, spice, and mineral character. This cuvée will develop well over the next 3-5 years if you wish to cellar it further.
