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Red dry
The name "Chat Fou" (from French for "crazy cat") is no accident. Eric Texier calls his vineyards this, where cats have long protected the harvest from rodents and become a natural part of this living, free ecosystem.
The wine smells of fresh currants and strawberries, subtle floral tones, and blackcurrant leaf accents. These are complemented by nuances of wet stone and mild spices. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with bright acidity and a soft but firm texture. The taste intertwines the freshness of red berries, nuances of dried herbs, and a long finish.
The grapes are grown on the southern side of the slope on a granite and gneiss base, at an altitude of about 300 m. Fermentation occurs naturally, without intensive extraction, and aging lasts about 12–18 months in concrete tanks.
Serve at 16–18 °C with herb-roasted lamb, grilled red peppers and aubergines, or aged goat’s 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.
