From the St-Julien-en-St-Alban zone in the southern part of the Côtes-du-Rhône, this wine is made from ‘Syrah’ grapes grown on granite slopes. This terroir lends the wine structure, minerality, and its characteristic peppery note.
The aroma reveals ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, and blueberries, accompanied by peppery spice and a subtle hint of dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with bright acidity and gently firm tannins, leading into a long, mineral finish with dark berry freshness and a delicate touch of smoke.
The vines are planted on the southern side of the slope at around 300 meters above sea level. The granite soil provides vertical tension, an elegant texture, and a subtle saline impression.
The grapes are harvested by hand, and fermentation is carried out with partial whole-cluster inclusion, using wild yeasts and without heavy extraction. The wine is matured in concrete tanks.
Serve at 16–18 °C with peppery beef steak, grilled tenderloin, or mature hard cheese.
Eric Texier is renowned for his 12 hectares of vineyards located on both banks of the Rhône River (on the left bank in the Brézème appellation, on what is virtually the only limestone hill in the region, and on the right bank in the granite soil of the Ardèche appellation) and in the Ouvèze river valley. Working with two different terroirs, Eric strives to reveal every nuance of their expression. Therefore, his ideal is well-ripened, expressive grapes that have not accumulated too much sugar, and as much freshness as possible. The wine is aged in large, old barrels or concrete tanks that do not alter the flavor. As a faithful student of the Beaujolais winemaker J. Chauvet, Eric Texier naturally waits for spontaneous fermentation, with the must containing stems. He adds sulfites only if necessary before bottling, and does not filter or clarify the wine. In the vineyard, Eric is not inclined to follow Rudolf Steiner's philosophy because he believes him to have held racist views. E. Texier is satisfied with ecological regulations and additionally sows vegetables between the rows of vines, which he rolls down in May when they have grown, thus fertilizing the soil.
Wine Style
"Eric Texier" wines are characterized by a distinctive reflection of terroir, naturalness, and freshness. These are wines dominated by fruitiness, minerality, and elegance.
Prestigious Vineyards
"Eric Texier" winery owns prestigious vineyards located in different terroirs of the Rhône Valley:
These prestigious vineyards are complemented by other plots where local grape varieties are grown.
Aging and Consumption Period
"Eric Texier" wines are made to preserve natural fruitiness and freshness. Most wines are drunk young, but some red wines have the potential to age for several years. The wines are aged in large, old barrels or concrete tanks.
