Mas des Capitelles is a benchmark family-owned estate located in Faugères, a highly regarded appellation nestled within the hilly landscapes of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France. Established in 1999 by Jean Laugé, a ninth-generation vigneron, the domaine is currently managed by his sons, Cédric and Nicolas. The vineyards are planted on steep terraces dominated by pure schist soils, a geological feature that defines the tense and mineral-driven character of Faugères wines. The family is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, farming their entire 60-acre property under strict certified organic and biodynamic principles.

The 2021 "Vieilles Vignes" bottling is a powerful testament to the concentration that can only be achieved from deeply rooted, ancient vines, some of which are up to 80 years old. Composed of a traditional southern blend dominated by Mourvèdre alongside Carignan and Syrah, the fruit undergoes a meticulous 30-day maceration with a small portion of whole clusters. To respect the purity of the terroir, the majority of the blend is aged in temperature-controlled tanks, while only one-fifth rests in French oak barrels. This careful process balances the naturally wild, savory frame of the grapes with a polished, modern fruit purity.

Why You’ll Love it

• This is a deeply authentic expression of Faugères, beautifully showcasing the wild, rugged character of Southern French reds without feeling heavy or over-extracted.

• The 2021 vintage highlights an incredible sense of place, bursting with a fragrant bouquet of dark cherries, blackcurrants, anise, and wild Mediterranean garrigue.

• On the palate, the prominent Mourvèdre component drives a rich texture accented by complex notes of leather, damp earth, and cracked black pepper.

• The structural frame is dense and serious, showing firm, ripe tannins that are perfectly lifted by a striking, rocky vein of schist minerality.

• It offers exceptional value for a certified biodynamic old-vine red, providing immediate drinking pleasure while possessing the stuffing to evolve for a decade.

How To Serve It

• Serve this wine at a cool room temperature between 60°F and 64°F to keep the savory earth notes and dark fruit in beautiful harmony.

• We highly recommend decanting this bottle for roughly 45 minutes to one hour to let the tight old-vine structure soften and allow the complex aromatics to expand.

• Pour into a standard large-bowled Bordeaux glass to give this broad, muscular blend plenty of breathing room.

• This rustic and peppery red is a phenomenal match for hearty fare, pairing perfectly with grilled lamb chops, venison stews, or a classic French cassoulet.