An Unusually, this section does not begin or with photos of beautiful vineyards in rank or great chai, or barrels properly aligned.
No, this time, I'd rather show cows, pigs, tractors, crickets ... Because that is what Didier Barral is most proud. Understand this whole "ecosystem" is to understand this character.
3:30 ...
They are rare, the winemakers who you spend ... 3:30 Especially when they have nothing to sell and that you did not show as a professional ... So three "tourists" Didier Barral presented its complete operation, for the pleasure of sharing his vision of viticulture. A meeting punctuated by wisdom.
Rural Management
The first thing he tells us, is its organization and one of his "management methods" when he kills a pig, all employees leave with a piece. It's the same for vegetables, fruits, and of course wine. It's a way to join the project team, and print in their minds they are farmers first.
Nature?
"There are patterns in agriculture. Nature, she, however, does not change ..."
He speaks well of the errors of its region, Languedoc, "we erred with the trellis of vines: it was believed that because the Burgundy and Bordeaux were using this method and was making great wines, it was a practice more qualitative. This one has forgotten is that they need sun, shade and we! The cup is much better suited "
His approach is radical bio: Most winemakers prefer to sacrifice their land to save a portion of the crop. He prefers to do the opposite, and not ruin ten years of effort for, in the end, save some 10 or 20% more of a harvest.
"People do not realize they make their grapevine. It is easy to see when the animals are not going well. They extinguished the eye, they are awful. The plant and the vine in particular, is tougher. "
Tracer his way
Didier Barral is a man for whom you feel the challenge, see the mistrust. I must say that it is not easy to get ideas off the beaten track. It tells us a story that illustrates this: in of his first winemaking, it seems that the fermentations are more intense in "Rising Moon". Intrigued, he expressed one of his neighbors, more experienced than him, whether he too has noticed the phenomenon. The answer to dissuade his brother for a long time to share his observations: "because during the harvest, you, you have time to watch the moon?". His comments
"sensitive", he now keeps it.
In the early days, moreover, well-meaning neighbors reported his father that the young, they are trying to fuck you up the vine. " Fortunately, the paternal trusted them. It
not want them. His success should help get the pill: there is nothing left to sell now or for two years to come ...
The old press
When I see the old flatbed press, basically I think it's there for decoration.
But no, it's one that is still used today. I say "how can we make as fine wines with a wine press so rude?". Didier Barral's answer is clear: "people thought it was technology that made the wine ... at first it was the presses flat, then tires, then thermoregulation, then the systematic stalking ... "
Wines
I am impressed by Faugere 2008. Always the freshness, the flavor fresh raspberries, a real thread with 2004. Didier Barral confirms to me: "vintages 2004, 2006 and 2008 are cousins
The 2009 is built on power, more southerners. It will take some time to feast on mourvèdres of Valinière.
