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2022 Vin de France Blanc
Leon BarralDidier Barral—a thirteenth-generation grape grower—cultivates one of the oldest native varieties of the Languedoc, Terret, beloved for its palate-awakening acidity. His old-vine field blend of mostly Terret Blanc and Gris spends several hours macerating in an ancient wooden press, the skin contact adding delicate texture to notes of Meyer lemon and verbena. Aromas of thyme and candied citrus are redolent of the wild herbs and orchards that grow in and around his vines. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, what’s in your glass is a postcard from one of southern France’s natural wine pioneers.
—Meghan Foley
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2022 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 80% Terret Blanc and Gris, 10% Viognier, 10% Roussane |
Appellation: | Vin de Pays de l’Hérault |
Country: | France |
Region: | Languedoc-Roussillon |
Producer: | Domaine Leon Barral |
Winemaker: | Didier Barral |
Vineyard: | 20 to 90 years, 3 ha |
Soil: | Schist |
Aging: | Stainless steel |
Farming: | Biodynamic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 12% |
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About The Producer
Domaine Leon Barral
Didier Barral represents the 13th generation to grow grapes in the tiny hamlet of Lenthéric, deep in the heart of the Languedoc. Domaine Léon Barral is a beacon of revolutionary winegrowing: shortly after founding the domaine, Didier decided that biodynamic practices were best for his 30 hectares of vineyards. His vines are very old—some up to 90 years of age—keeping yields naturally low. Once in the cellar, Didier’s harvest is cared for with the same zeal, though he would consider the wine all but finished once it leaves the vineyard. This level of artisanship was once nearly extinct, had it not been for Didier and the profound influence he has over viticulteurs who now see how his work ethic and ideology translates to results.
About The Region
Languedoc-Roussillon
Ask wine drinkers around the world, and the word “Languedoc” is sure to elicit mixed reactions. On the one hand, the region is still strongly tied to its past as a producer of cheap, insipid bulk wine in the eyes of many consumers. On the other hand, it is the source of countless great values providing affordable everyday pleasure, with an increasing number of higher-end wines capable of rivaling the best from other parts of France.
While there’s no denying the Languedoc’s checkered history, the last two decades have seen a noticeable shift to fine wine, with an emphasis on terroir. Ambitious growers have sought out vineyard sites with poor, well draining soils in hilly zones, curbed back on irrigation and the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and looked to balance traditional production methods with technological advancements to craft wines with elegance, balance, and a clear sense of place. Today, the overall quality and variety of wines being made in the Languedoc is as high as ever.
Shaped like a crescent hugging the Mediterranean coast, the region boasts an enormous variety of soil types and microclimates depending on elevation, exposition, and relative distance from the coastline and the cooler foothills farther inland. While the warm Mediterranean climate is conducive to the production of reds, there are world-class whites and rosés to be found as well, along with stunning dessert wines revered by connoisseurs for centuries.
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Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
If you're looking for value, look where no one else is looking.
Inspiring Thirst, page 211