Deriving its name from the French term fougères — the powerfully aromatic ferns which grow across the region — Faugères is situated in the heart of Languedoc, about twenty miles away from the Mediterranean Sea nestled in the foothills of the Cévennes. It is perhaps France's most underrated AOC, and one of my little secret regions when it comes to finding hidden gems in southern France. I would even venture to say that Faugères is the Grand Cru of the Languedoc — a region whose wines are so distinct, expressive and of such high quality that they stand a cut above the rest. The secret is the region's schist soils.

The vineyards of Domaine Saint Antonin are comprised primarily of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and old-vine Grenache and Carignan, rooted in those same rocky, schistic soils. Frédéric Albaret takes an eco-conscious approach to farming — his vineyards are certified organic — and tends to the vines manually. His son is finishing his degree in oenology at Montpellier, at times, studying in the very vineyards in which he will be working with his father. Frédéric's 20+ years of dedication in the vineyards, coupled with his wine-making experience, result in wines of superb quality and depth.

In the glass, Les Jardins, a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvèdre, pours a pale salmon color. The nose is fresh and aromatic with beautiful scents of white peach, cantaloupe and tangerine. On the palate, Les Jardins is a vibrant and energetic rosé with a strong minerality resulting from the schist soils in which the vines grow. Invigorating in its attack, the mid-palate is awash with lovely flavors of peaches, blueberries and orange citrus complimented by a lovely mineral freshness. Winemaker Frédéric Albaret does an excellent job of combining flair and complexity into his wines, and his rosé is no exception. Les Jardins pairs delightfully with a wide range of dishes: from an olive tapenade smeared on fresh-baked bread, to a simple salad dressed with vinaigrette, to a hearty bourride (a fish stew), though it is awfully tempting to drink on its own.