Domaine du Clos des Fées : Un Faune Avec Son Fifre 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for Un Faune Avec Son Fifre 2020 Domaine du Clos des Fées

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a deep garnet hue, reflecting the vintage’s concentration and the grapes’ optimal ripeness.

Nose

The nose opens on an expressive bouquet of red and black fruits, with pronounced blackcurrant notes. Hints of spices and garrigue add complexity, while a noble vegetal dimension reminiscent of roasted red pepper enriches the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine shows a firm yet elegant structure. The tannins, remarkably fine and silky, provide a refined texture. Freshness is clearly present, bringing balance and vibrancy, while the finish stands out for its lovely length and aromatic persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is an ideal match for fine meats such as venison fillet, roasted pigeon, or a rib of beef. It also pairs very well with characterful aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Un Faune Avec Son Fifre 2020 offers medium- to long-term aging potential, allowing for harmonious development in the cellar.

A bold red wine from Roussillon dominated by cabernet franc

The estate

Founded in 1997 by Hervé Bizeul, a former sommelier and journalist who retrained as a winemaker, the Domaine du Clos des Fées now spans around 30 hectares of vineyards in Roussillon. Based in Vingrau, at the foot of the Pyrenees, Hervé Bizeul and his wife Claudine, co-owner, have built the estate’s reputation through a demanding and innovative approach to viticulture. The estate has established itself as a benchmark for the region, recognized by the leading guides with three stars in Bettane+Desseauve.

The vineyard

The plots from which "Un Faune Avec Son Fifre" is produced are located in the Cassenove area, in the northern valley of Vingrau. Facing due north and sheltered by an imposing limestone cliff, these vines benefit from a clay-limestone terroir composed of Urgonian limestone. Planted at high density with 6,800 vines per hectare, the vines are trained in gobelet on individual stakes. This setup allows each vine to protect its neighbor from the violent Tramontane wind. The vineyard is managed through sustainable viticulture, favoring manual work and respect for the environment.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage benefited from favorable climatic conditions, enabling optimal ripening of the grapes. The harvest was carried out at ideal phenolic ripeness, preserving the fruit’s natural freshness while ensuring remarkable aromatic concentration for this IGP Côtes Catalanes wine.

Winemaking and aging

Un Faune Avec Son Fifre 2020 is vinified using the grains mêlés technique, with whole-bunch fermentation without destemming. Punch-downs and pump-overs are performed by hand several times a day during maceration lasting 20 to 25 days. After complete malolactic fermentation, the wine is partially aged in new and once-filled French oak barrels, then refined in concrete vats before early bottling in spring, thus preserving freshness and fruit expression.

Grape varieties

Cabernet franc (80%)
Merlot (20%)