COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Chasselas
PRODUCER
Éric Texier
REGION
Rhône Valley
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Light
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium
Finish
Intensity
Tannins
Medium - Low
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Éric Texier Chat Fou 2021 is a Vin de France red wine from the Rhône Valley. Produced by Éric Texier, a former nuclear engineer turned winemaker, the wine embodies a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir. Texier is known for his work in reviving lesser-known Rhône appellations and his commitment to organic viticulture. The Chat Fou is a blend primarily featuring Grenache, with contributions from Cinsault and several white grape varieties, including Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Chasselas. The grapes are sourced from vineyards planted on granite and gneiss soils in the Ardèche region.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€19
STYLE
Natural
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Éric Texier was a nuclear engineer before becoming a winemaker.
Fact 02
The wine is declassified to Vin de France, not Côtes-du-Rhône.
Fact 03
It's a blend of red and white grapes, a less common practice for red wines.
Fact 04
Texier is known for reviving obscure Rhône appellations.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking for Éric Texier Chat Fou involves sourcing grapes from organically farmed vineyards on granite and gneiss soils. In the cellar, a portion of the grapes undergoes partial destemming, followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts in open concrete tanks. Maceration is typically short, lasting between 4 and 12 days, with no aggressive extraction methods. The wine then ages for 12 to 18 months in concrete vats on its fine lees. It is bottled without fining or filtration, with minimal or no added sulfur.
