- Red Wine
- Carignan
- Natural
- Dry
- 750ml
About the Winery
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Frédéric grew up in Normandy and met his Canadian wife Elaine at university in Lille, Northern France. They live a nomadic lifestyle (Canada, India, Singapore and USA) though Frédéric spends about half of his time in Faugères. Since early age, Frédéric had a calling for farming and the fierce desire to become a winegrower. After completing a Masters Degree in Finance in 2001, Frédéric went back to college for a Sommelier diploma and started his career as a Burgundy wine broker.
In late 2012, Frédéric and Elaine were fortunate to take over 25 acres of old vines in Faugères, organically farmed for twenty years and deeply rooted in schist soils.
2013 was the inaugural vintage for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. In his modest winery in the village of Laurens, Frédéric is creating a new vision for Faugères wines; fresh, vibrant and made without artifice. Nothing revolutionary, simply returning to our grandparent's ideology of farming and winemaking to craft 'Vins Vivants'. The Faugères Appellation is in the heart of Languedoc in the Hérault department. Here, winemaking dates back to the Greek times and was developed during the Roman Era. It wasn't until the early 1900's, however, that the wines became more widely known for its unique schist soils and moderate Mediterranean climate. These villages are heavily reliant on wine as an important part of their culture and economy.
The area is stunning with mountain views and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (20 miles / 30 kms). Faugères has a long history of responsible farming. It boasts the highest percentage of organic vineyards for any AOC in all of France with almost 50% of farmers making the choice.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Debut vintage of Frédéric Brouca’s Clair Des Champs, literally “clear fields,” a light red (not a Rosé) that the Faugères winemaker chooses to categorize as "Rouge Clair.” A new genre of wine perhaps, bright and light made by co-fermenting direct press mourvèdre on terret blanc and carignan. May not talk about or incite a revolution but it is clever and insightful, so there’s definitely that. It’s clear, crisp and clean, glou-glou as they say but also taut and beautiful. There is love involved, obviously not a political thing but important as a self-titled debut label. “Talking about a revolution? It sounds like a whisper.” Drink 2024-2026. Tasted December 2024.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
A blend of mourvèdre, cinsault and terret blanc made in a very pale red (or deep rosé) 'clairet' style, Brouca's 23 Clair des Champs is a clean, sapid and savoury wine with a very particular set of flavours, beyond any easy analogy. Ripe raspberry-type fruit meets a sort of meaty, amino acid-rich taste profile, while tannins are light and grainy and acids comfortably bright. With just 12% alcohol there's also a refreshing aspect to it. It's a wine to drink lightly chilled but not cold, over the next year or two. I appreciate the integrity and craftsmanship here. Tasted December 2024.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A salty, clean and lively claret-style red made from a schist-grown blend, largely from Faugères, that includes mourvèdre, cinsault, and the more rare terret blanc. Dry and mineral with notes of puréed red fruit, cranberry, and thyme. I can easily see this at the holiday table. Light in alcohol at 12%, certified organic and with a very fine tannic presence. Highly accessible, ready to drink and a great deal of fun. Tasted December 2024.