2020 Leon Barral Faugères Jadis

Powerful, full-bodied wine from Faugères that exemplifies the region's schist terroir, which imparts earthy, mineral characteristics. The slightly acidic schist soils contribute distinctive mineral notes. Made from a blend of local grape varieties characteristic of this southern French appellation. The wine reflects Barral's commitment to traditional, low-intervention methods including long macerations, slow pressing, and extended aging in old barrels. Demonstrates exceptional elegance and structure, developing complexity with cellaring. The Mediterranean terroir imparts wild, rustic character emblematic of the rural surroundings.

$48.00

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Specs

Type: Red

Grapes: Carignan, Syrah, Grenache

Winemaker: Didier Barral

Vintage: 2020

Geography

Country: France

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

Sub-region: Faugères

Vineyard: 30 to 60 year old vines, 10 hectares on schist soil

Farming

Biodynamic viticulture (practicing) focused on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. Polyculture with cattle grazing in vineyards using Jersey cows, horses, donkeys, and pigs to naturally mow grasses and add organic matter. Vines aged 30-60 years, trained in bush vine style (gobelet). Soil life respected through minimal mechanization with animal power and custom-designed equipment; no plowing since 2005 to preserve soil structure. Uses straddle tractors to avoid soil compaction. Fosters worm colonies to enrich soils. Makes compost from recycled cardboard and creates bespoke mulch mixture to preserve soil moisture. Hedgerows with bird and bat nesting boxes around parcels. Avoids all chemical treatments, uses copper minimally and adds sulfur only as needed.

Harvest

Grapes vinified separately as whole bunches with no destemming

Fermentation

Indigenous yeasts; maceration for 3 to 4 weeks with regular manual punch-downs in cement tanks; minimal sulfur usage with no other additives

Aging

Must lightly pressed with old wooden vertical basket press; aged for 24 to 26 months in barrel with 10% new oak, some lots aged in cement and stainless steel tanks; bottled unfined and unfiltered