Leon Barral Jadis 2020

Léon Barral works biodynamically in the AOC Faugères, in the schist hills of the Languedoc. This Jadis cuvée blends Carignan, Grenache and Syrah from vines aged between 30 and 60 years, planted on south facing schist that drains hard and forces the roots deep, concentrating the fruit and lending the wine its stony, savoury edge. The grapes macerate in concrete tanks for three to four weeks, drawing colour, tannin and skin phenolics from old vine fruit, before pressing in a traditional vertical basket press for a gentle extraction. Ageing runs 24 to 26 months in oak barrels, only 10 percent new, so the wood adds structure and slow oxygen exchange rather than obvious vanilla. The wine is deep and dark in the glass, with wild blackberry and damson on the nose lifted by black pepper, dried herbs and a hint of leather. The palate is full and firm, the tannins schist driven and the finish long and mineral. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.