Leon Barral Faugeres Valiniere Mourvedre Blend 2018

From the schist slopes of Faugeres, here is an altogether different take on Mourvedre (the blend also contains 20% Syrah from cooler, north-facing vineyards). It takes the proverbial “iron fist in a velvet glove” to the next level: you can practically taste the iron! Coating this brawny, almost bloody core is a luscious layer of inky-black fruit, flecked with spice and minerals. A brilliant viticulturist who lives entirely off his land, Didier Barral is an idol to sustainable farmers across France and beyond; his Valiniere is a monumental demonstration of what happens when respectfully working the earth is not just a job, but one’s whole life.