Ollier Taillefer Wild Berries - AOC Faugeres, France

Luc and Francoise Taillefer

Françoise Taillefer and her brother, Luc, run the estate started by their father, Alain Ollier. Set in the hills around the picturesque village of Fos, the Taillefer vines are planted in the sloping schist soils of the Faugéres appellation. The height of the vineyards means the temperatures are lower, thereby avoiding the dreaded baked fruit. The wines are rich with lovely juiciness and a minerality from the schist in which they grow. Family tradition is very important here, with some 100-year-old vines dating back to the time of Françoise’s great-grandfather. Luc is responsible for tending the vines, and Françoise looks after the business side of things. Faugéres is not the most well-known Languedoc appellation but, in the hands of Luc and Françoise Taillefer, they skillfully make the best of family expertise and the passion for this distinctive terroir.