This bistronomy wine, extremely attractive and digestible, is a balancing act, with an ultra-fine, coated and seductive mouthfeel. Raspberry red colour, relatively pale. Gourmet and frank aromas of red fruits and sweet spices, brought by Grenache, complemented by the complex and aromatic notes of Mourvèdre, on a long and elegant finish

Brigitte Chevalier came to Faugères to make wine in her own, highly individual way. In a short space of time, the estate has established itself as a leader within its chosen appellation (chosen as one of the few Best of the South” vineyards by Andrew Jefford, MW, in Decanter magazine and referred to in the French press as “perfect, textbook example of Faugères wines) and a highly rated name within winemaking circles.

She wants to capture the style and delicate flavor of cooler appellation wines in the Languedoc. Her judicious choice of terroirs, combined with deep-rooted vines, very low yields, grapes hand-picked at optimum ripeness and careful vinification give her organic wines a unique profile.

Ex Arena is Latin for “From the Sand,” an homage to the terroir from which this wine originates. The Ex Arena vines are located on Villafranchian soil and on a 40-metre-deep bed of sea sediment and alluvial deposits. Besides offering the vines extraordinary drainage, this soil is perfect for low-vigour vines that yield small quantities of grapes with great concentration and complexity, obviously the key to a great terroir. In these outstanding conditions, Grenache forms expressive fruit aromas with spicy sweetness and roundness reminiscent of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combined with a surprisingly fine, fresh, spicy mouth and soft tannins, which makes Ex Arena unique in the world of Grenache wines.

Ex Arena can be paired with a wide range of Mediterranean dishes, lamb stew, chicken tajine, even strawberries or chocolate cake - or enjoyed on its own. Ex Arena develops remarkably after 24 hours. It can be drunk now or aged for up to 8 years.

"Cassis, cherries and blueberries with violets and crushed strawberries on the nose. Medium body with sleek tannins. Juicy and fluid with a short finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now."
90 points.
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (August 2023)