Domaine Léon Barral - Faugères Valinière 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

A man of strong convictions, Didier Barral is one of those who have given the most thought to working the soil, which has been installed on the estate since the early 1990s. The 33-hectare vineyard is located on schist slopes sheltered by the foothills of the Cévennes. Didier Barral has reintroduced black pigs and 70 cows (which graze from October to April in his vineyards), and has widely favored mixed farming to allow different species of flora and fauna to cohabit. The soils are not ploughed to allow animal life to thrive. The winemaking philosophy is close to that of "natural" wines, with low levels of sulfur protection at bottling. There may have been deviations in certain wines, but at their best, these faugères have no equivalent. Don't you have to accept a few little flaws in the girl you love," explains Didier? The domaine didn't send us any samples this year, so we'll do a full review next year.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Didier Barral has come a long way since settling on his father's schists in Lenthéric in the early 1990s. In search of an authentic expression of his terroir, he spares no effort in the vineyard. With the help of his brother Jean-Luc, this obstinate and visionary winemaker has introduced a method of cultivation that respects the ecosystem, encourages interaction between the plant and animal kingdoms, and strengthens the vine's immunity. As for the cellar, since the harvest is very healthy and the grapes of excellent constitution, ageing is "biblically" simple. Although there are no direct sales at the estate, the Barrals are happy to pass on the addresses of their faithful wine merchants. The uniqueness of Didier Barral's wines, their deeply original and nobly peasant character, make them an essential reference in the Languedoc.