Eric Texier Chat Fou 2022

Eric Texier is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures we have encountered in over 30 years of wine importing. His importance lies not in grandeur but in his evolutionary approach to winemaking and viticulture. Eric and his wife Laurence have shown us that mutual respect, growth, and friendship are achievable in this industry. Their partnership has shaped our philosophies, worldviews, values, and even our sense of humor, for which we are deeply grateful.

Originally from Bordeaux, Eric has lived in or around Lyon since 1979. He is an upbeat, energetic, and fun-loving individual who aims to bring happiness to those who drink his wines. Yet, Eric is also a boundary-pusher, constantly questioning his work and that of others to advance viticulture and winemaking.

Eric is a trailblazer who has brought attention to the nearly forgotten regions of Brézème and Saint Julien en Saint Alban. He experiments with unconventional concepts: using amphoras to find acidity in Marsanne, favoring cover crops over soil working, employing "infusion" style macerations, developing his grafts, and rediscovering forgotten grape varieties that can adapt to the challenges of climate change.

The Rhône Valley, nestled in the southeastern part of France, is celebrated as one of the world's most illustrious wine regions. It is a captivating tapestry of picturesque landscapes, ancient vineyards, and a rich winemaking heritage. This essay delves into the fascinating realm of the Rhône Valley, unraveling its wine facts and exploring the unique characteristics of its terroir, which contribute to the creation of exceptional wines that have enchanted wine enthusiasts for centuries.

The Rhône Valley stretches over 250 miles, traversing the banks of the Rhône River. It is divided into two sub-regions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. Each sub-region showcases its viticultural identity, producing wines with distinct personalities and styles.

Winemaking in the Rhône Valley dates back to the Roman era, with evidence of vine cultivation in the region as early as 600 BC. Throughout history, the Rhône Valley has been celebrated for its wines, with notable mentions by ancient writers such as Pliny the Elder and the renowned French poet Frédéric Mistral.

The Northern Rhône enjoys a continental climate with notable variations due to its hilly terrain and proximity to the Massif Central. It experiences hot summers and cold winters, with rainfall concentrated mainly in spring and autumn. The region benefits from the Mistral winds, which help maintain healthy vineyards and prevent fungal diseases.

The Northern Rhône boasts diverse soil compositions, contributing to the intricacies and complexities of its wines. The prominent soil types include granite, schist, and gneiss in the north, while the south features limestone, loess, and clay. These soils influence the wines' flavors, structure, and aging potential.

Syrah is the undisputed king of the Northern Rhône, producing profound, age-worthy red wines. The grape thrives in the region's steep slopes, developing its characteristic peppery aromas, black fruit flavors, and firm tannins. Iconic appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas showcase the brilliance of Syrah in the Northern Rhône.

Viognier, an aromatic white grape variety, is another gem of the Northern Rhône. It produces opulent, full-bodied white wines with delicate floral notes, ripe stone fruit flavors, and a luscious texture. Condrieu, the most prestigious appellation for Viognier, is revered for its exceptional examples of this varietal.

The Southern Rhône experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine. The Mistral winds play a vital role in tempering the vineyards, preventing excessive humidity, and ensuring the health of the grapes.

The region's soils are remarkably varied, resulting from ancient alluvial deposits, river terraces, and pebbles known as galets roulés. These diverse soil types, including

Limestone, clay, sand, and silt impart distinct flavors, textures, and nuances to wines.

Grenache is the dominant grape variety in the Southern Rhône, forming the backbone of its red blends. It thrives in the warm climate, producing wines with generous fruitiness, supple tannins, and a captivating spice profile. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras are renowned appellations that showcase the excellence of Grenache-based wines.

Syrah and Mourvèdre play significant supporting roles in the red blends of the Southern Rhône. Syrah adds structure, depth, and a peppery character, while Mourvèdre contributes dark fruit flavors, earthiness, and tannic backbone. These grapes harmonize with Grenache to create complex and age-worthy wines.

Côte-Rôtie, known as the "Roasted Slope," is an esteemed appellation that produces some of the most captivating and elegant Syrah wines in the world. Its steep terraced vineyards, granite soils, and a touch of Viognier create wines with mesmerizing floral aromatics, red and black fruit flavors, and silky textures.

Hermitage stands tall as one of the greatest appellations of the Northern Rhône. Its south-facing slopes, granite soils, and complex microclimates yield powerful, age-worthy wines. Hermitage reds exhibit intense flavors of black fruit, spices, and mineral notes, while white wines display richness, elegance, and myriad flavors.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a legendary appellation in the Southern Rhône, showcases the art of blending. Its wines, typically composed of multiple grape varieties, are rich and full-bodied and exude an array of aromas, including red and black fruits, garrigue herbs, and exotic spices. The region's iconic galets roulés also contribute to the wine's unique character.

Gigondas, often called a "baby Châteauneuf-du-Pape," produces robust, age-worthy wines with distinct terroir expression. The wines exhibit a rustic charm, combining black fruit intensity, earthy notes, and vibrant acidity, offering an exceptional value proposition.