Domaine Léon Barral : Jadis 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for Jadis 2021 from Domaine Léon Barral

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a deep ruby-red hue with violet and garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex, untamed bouquet, marked by aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, alongside herbal notes of freshly cut hay and Mediterranean garrigue. Earthy and mineral nuances—hallmarks of the schist soils—complete this authentic aromatic expression.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds with a medium-to-full body, structured by fleshy, slightly gamey tannins. Medium-plus acidity brings freshness, while flavors of juicy dark fruit mingle with umami notes, subtly animal and evocative of the forest floor. The finish lingers elegantly on dark, mineral tones.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, notably lamb with Herbes de Provence, feathered or furred game, as well as dishes featuring wild mushrooms. It also complements a Provençal ratatouille, smoked charcuterie, or a selection of aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve Jadis 2021 between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour allows the wine to fully open up and reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine has excellent aging potential and will gain complexity over time.

An authentic biodynamic wine from the Languedoc, a pure expression of the Faugères terroir

The estate

Founded in the 1990s by Didier Barral, representing the thirteenth generation of winemakers in his family, Domaine Léon Barral has established itself as an essential reference for biodynamic viticulture in the Languedoc. Located in the hamlet of Lenthéric, between Carcassonne and Montpellier, this thirty-hectare estate is recognized for its visionary approach and total environmental commitment. As early as 1995, Didier Barral converted the entire vineyard to biodynamics, making the estate a pioneer and a source of inspiration for a whole generation of winemakers. The integration of animals from heritage breeds into the vineyard ecosystem attests to this immense respect for nature.

The vineyard

Jadis 2021 comes from a ten-hectare parcel in the Faugères appellation, forty minutes from the Mediterranean. The vines, thirty to sixty years old, are planted on primary schist soils characteristic of this appellation. This metamorphic rock has the remarkable ability to retain water while storing daytime heat and releasing it at night, thus promoting optimal grape ripening. The Mediterranean climate with mountain influences, combined with the due-south exposure of the syrah parcel, creates ideal conditions for expressing the terroir. Vineyard management rigorously follows biodynamic principles, with gobelet pruning that protects the clusters from intense sun and the integration of a complete ecosystem including livestock, wild herbs, and beneficial fauna.

Vinification and aging

The vinification of Jadis 2021 reflects an uncompromisingly minimalist philosophy. After hand-harvesting and rigorous sorting, the grapes are gravity-fed into concrete vats where spontaneous fermentation begins thanks to indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts three to four weeks with regular manual punch-downs. Pressing is carried out in a traditional vertical wooden press. Aging then takes place for 24 to 26 months in barrels, with 10% new oak and 90% older casks. No racking, fining, or filtration is carried out throughout the entire process.

Grape varieties

Carignan (50%), syrah (30%) and grenache (20%).