Éric Texier Chat Fou Côtes du Rhône 2021
The Chat Fou (“Crazy Cat”) is a journey into the heart of the Rhône, where the rugged landscape meets refined winemaking. This wine is not merely a beverage; it's a liquid rebellion, a playful challenge to the established norms of the Rhône Valley. The color evokes the vibrant hues of a sunset over the Rhône. On the nose, a rush of red berries, mingling with wild herbs and a hint of earthy spice. On the palate, the wine is a delightful interplay of flavors – the initial burst of fresh red berries is invigorating, followed by layers of wild herbs and a touch of spice that add depth and complexity.
As you savor this wine, you might find yourself contemplating the nature of tradition and innovation, the interplay between respect for the past and the courage to forge new paths. Whether enjoyed in a casual setting or a more sophisticated affair, the Éric Texier Chat Fou Côtes du Rhône 2021 is a testament to the artistry of Rhône winemaking, offering a sensory experience that is both memorable and enchanting.
Our Score: 88
Summary
Flavors: A vibrant blend of red fruits, herbal notes, and a hint of white pepper, underpinned by a subtle earthiness.
Pair With: This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Try it with herb-roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a rustic ratatouille. Its lively acidity and light body make it an excellent companion to Mediterranean cuisine, while its complexity stands up to more robust flavors.
Drink Window: Best consumed 2023-2028
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Color: Deep ruby with violet highlights
Clarity: Clear with a slight haziness, typical of minimal intervention wines
Aroma:
Nose: Expressive bouquet of red cherries, wild strawberries, and violets, with underlying notes of garrigue herbs, white pepper, and a subtle earthy minerality
Palate:
Flavor Profile: The palate opens with a burst of fresh red fruits - cherries and raspberries - followed by a savory mid-palate showcasing flavors of dried herbs, crushed stones, and a hint of black olive. As it develops, subtle notes of white pepper and a touch of cinnamon emerge, leading to a finish marked by a delicate interplay of fruit and mineral elements.
Body: Medium
Acidity: Medium-high
Tannins: Soft and well-integrated
Finish: Long and smooth, with lingering spice
Value for Money: Good quality-price ratio, offering a vibrant experience at an accessible price
Similar Wines: Try a Cru Beaujolais for a similar light-bodied red with aromatic complexity, or explore the natural wines of the Loire Valley. Specifically, the Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py or Catherine & Pierre Breton Bourgueil Nuits d'Ivresse.
Serving Temperature: 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Decanting: Not necessary, but recommended for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop
Fun Fact: Éric Texier is a self-taught winemaker who left a career in nuclear engineering to pursue his passion for winemaking, bringing a scientific precision to his craft.
Technical Details
Winery: Éric Texier (www.texierwines.com). Known for their commitment to biodynamic and organic farming practices, producing wines that express the true character of the Rhône terroir.
Vintage: 2021. A challenging year with a mix of weather conditions, but careful vineyard management resulted in high-quality grapes with excellent concentration and balance.
Varietal(s): Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault
Region: Côtes du Rhône, France
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 13.5%
Price Range: $20-$25
Quality Price Ratio (QPR) Score: B+
Winery Location Details: Éric Texier's vineyards for the Chat Fou are located in the southern part of the Côtes du Rhône appellation, near the village of Brézème. The vineyards are situated on slopes with a mix of clay and limestone soils, benefiting from the region's Mediterranean climate. The area experiences hot summers tempered by the mistral wind, which helps keep the vines dry and disease-free. This unique terroir contributes to the wine's fresh, mineral-driven character.
Production: The grapes for Chat Fou are hand-harvested and undergo whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in concrete tanks. The wine sees no oak aging, preserving its fresh fruit character. Texier follows minimal intervention winemaking practices, with low sulfur use and no fining or filtering.
Deep Dive
Éric Texier practices minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and the terroir to shine through. As a proponent of biodynamic farming, he uses natural preparations and lunar cycles to enhance vine health and fruit quality.
The Chat Fou (Crazy Cat) label is named for its playful and unconventional style, reflecting Texier’s innovative approach to winemaking.
The winery’s commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging, using lightweight bottles and natural corks to reduce environmental impact.
Texier is known for reviving forgotten appellations and working with obscure grape varieties.
The Chat Fou often includes a small percentage of white grapes co-fermented with the reds, an old technique that adds complexity and freshness.
The Chat Fou is considered a "vin de soif" or thirst-quenching wine, designed for everyday enjoyment rather than long aging.
Texier's winemaking philosophy focuses on expressing terroir and vintage variation rather than pursuing a consistent style year after year.