The Ollier Taillefer Grande Réserve Rouge 2020 from Faugères AOC in the Languedoc region is an expressive red blend typical of its origin. Crafted predominantly from classic Southern French varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and sometimes Cinsault, this cuvée is a fine showcase of the estate's old vines. The 2020 vintage benefited from a generous Mediterranean climate, producing ripe fruit while retaining a lively freshness. Vinification at Ollier Taillefer tends to combine traditional methods—such as partial destemming and extended maceration—with careful ageing in a mix of stainless steel and sometimes oak vats, allowing the terroir to shine through with minimal intervention. The resulting wine is deeply coloured, exuding aromas of blackberries, garrigue herbs, violets, and subtle spice, with a palate that’s structured yet silky and long on minerality.
Faugères itself is one of the most exciting crus of the Languedoc and is renowned for its schist soils, which provide excellent drainage and impart a marked mineral character to the wines. The appellation’s hilly terrain, combined with the warm, dry Mediterranean climate, ensures optimal ripeness in the grapes while maintaining freshness and aromatic intensity. The history of winegrowing in this area goes back many centuries, but a renewed focus on quality over the past decades has elevated Faugères to a place of distinction among Languedoc wines.
The robust and fragrant character of this Grande Réserve makes it an ideal companion for dishes with bold, earthy flavours. Consider pairing it with a traditional cassoulet, slow-braised lamb shoulder with rosemary, or grilled duck breast. The wine’s supple tannins and herbal nuances also complement Mediterranean vegetable stews such as ratatouille, as well as mature cheeses like Laguiole or Roquefort.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine at least thirty minutes before serving and taste it at 16-18°C. This will allow its complex aromatics and texture to unfold beautifully. The 2020 vintage is approachable now but promises further development in the bottle over the next five to eight years.
