In the glass
Aroma: red and black fruit, garrigue, rosemary, graphite
Palate: raspberry, cracked pepper, thyme, fine tannin, schist minerality
Old-vine Carignan-led entry red from biodynamic icon Didier Barral. From 40-70-year-old vines on Faugères schist; aged unoaked in cement and steel.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
Old-vine Carignan structure meets grilled lamb; rosemary echoes the wine's garrigue. -
Charcuterie board
Cracked pepper and fine tannin complement cured meats and saucisson. -
Aged Tomme des Pyrénées
Schist minerality finds depth in hard mountain cheese.
History
Didier Barral founded Domaine Léon Barral in 1993 near Lenthéric in Faugères, named for his grandfather. An early proponent of biodynamic farming and animal-driven viticulture, with cows and pigs grazing between vine rows. The Tradition is the entry-level red, sourced from 40-70-year-old Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault vines on 14 hectares of schist.
- 1993 — Didier Barral founds the estate, named for his grandfather Léon
- 2002 — Estate certified biodynamic
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Léon Barral
- Grapes
- Carignan (55%), Grenache (25%), Cinsault (20%)
- Classification
- AOC Faugères
- Oak
- Aged 24 months in cement and stainless steel tanks; no oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- €25-35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1993
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Faugères Tradition
What does Faugères Tradition taste like?
Red and black fruit, garrigue, rosemary and graphite on the nose; raspberry, cracked pepper, thyme, fine tannin and schist minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied with a long finish.
When should I drink Faugères Tradition?
Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage. Brief carafe before serving helps the unoaked aromatics unfold.
What food pairs with Faugères Tradition?
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary is the canonical match; a charcuterie board and aged Tomme des Pyrénées are equally strong pairings.
Is Faugères Tradition biodynamic?
Yes - Domaine Léon Barral is biodynamic, with Didier Barral one of the earliest practitioners in Faugères. Cows and pigs graze between rows; no synthetic inputs.