Wines Faugères Domaine La Liquière - Les Amandiers - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Domaine La Liquière’s “Cuvée Les Amandiers” blanc 2024 from the Faugères appellation shines as an expressive organic white wine, demonstrating the vibrancy of Languedoc’s evolving winemaking philosophy. The blend typically draws on regional stalwarts such as Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and perhaps Vermentino or Marsanne, resulting in a wine of layered aromatic depth. The 2024 vintage, still youthful, promises lively freshness and attractive fruit purity, with a vinification that often favours gentle pressing and controlled fermentation temperatures to preserve nuanced floral and mineral notes. Expect a luminous pale colour, delicate aromas of white peach, acacia blossom, and hints of Mediterranean herbs, leading to a palate that balances crisp acidity with a pleasing fullness, underpinned by subtle salinity characteristic of Faugères whites.

Faugères, nestled in the foothills of the Cévennes within Languedoc, is renowned for its remarkable schist soils, one of the region’s defining features. This fractured, slate-like bedrock provides excellent drainage and imparts a touch of minerality to both red and white wines. The Mediterranean climate ensures long, sun-kissed ripening periods, moderated by inland breezes, supporting the development of aromatic complexity and balanced natural acidity. Faugères boasts a winemaking history stretching back to the Middle Ages, now rejuvenated by a new wave of producers embracing organic farming, as exemplified by Domaine La Liquière.

This white’s vibrant temperament lends itself wonderfully to pairings with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Oysters or grilled prawns bring out its saline edge, while a lemony roast chicken or a delicate fish en papillote underlines its freshness. Regional Languedoc fare—think brandade de morue or chèvre frais drizzled with local olive oil—will flatter its herbal accents. For an original touch, a summer vegetable tart, with courgette and fennel, would also be an excellent match.

To enjoy the full aromatic spectrum of “Cuvée Les Amandiers” blanc 2024, serve slightly chilled at 10-12°C. A medium-sized white wine glass will encourage the wine to reveal its floral and mineral intricacies. This vintage is delightful in its youth for its zest, but can also reward a year or two of cellaring for added texture and complexity.