Comments on: True schist: The Barral brothers ride again

By: tomfiorina

tomfiorina — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:20:48 +0000

Thanks, Iris. We’re both clear-eyed realists.

By: Iris

Iris — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:27:11 +0000

Hello Tom, as well as I liked the video – I love Didiers wine:-) – I like your analyses of Hélène Bassas “dreamcoat” and blurry pictures… as your marketing steeled eye indicates: there is an image to promote, but as much of Carnets de Sud as of Domaine Barral – and having participated in the emission some years ago, I totally agree;-).

By: tomfiorina

tomfiorina — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:07:13 +0000

Timothy, I’m glad that you enjoyed the article, and I can understand, since you’ve spent extended periods of time with Didier and Jean-Luc Barral, how you enjoyed seeing the videos. I’m sorry if the conclusion of my piece suggests anything negative. Like you, I have immense respect for them, their dedication to their land, and the quality of their wine. Having worked in marketing for the better part of two decades, I can say that there’s nothing disingenuous about intelligently promoting an image.

By: Timothy Bartling

Timothy Bartling — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:04:09 +0000

Tom, nice piece. Thanks for posting the videos, as I had not seen them. I would like to argue a point in your last paragraph. As for the Barrals’ conviction, all one has to do is to spend a few weeks in their company to realize that they live and work in a way that is all about their land and the wines they produce. It might come off as a marketing ploy to someone who hasn’t spent time with them, but let me assure you that the brothers are true stewards of their land, treating it with the upmost respect and love….and that shows in every bottle of wine they produce.