Eric Texier: From Nuclear Engineering to Winemaking
From an evolutionary standpoint, Eric Texier is regarded as a key figure in the winemaking industry. On the one hand, he is joyful, active, and fun-loving, wanting to make wine drinkers happy with his harvest and output; on the other, he is always questioning his own work (and possibly that of others) in order to help viticulture as a whole.
Image source: Drink Rhone
Pushing Boundaries In The World of Wine
It should have been obvious, but, Eric who was a nuclear engineer is never afraid to call people out on bullshit while backing up his arguments with solid data and serious research. On top of that, there is of course his passion packed with thoughts and genuine caring for the subject, which means he will gladly admit when he's wrong too.
Eric's unexpected switch in career in the 1990s was inspired by an older generation of Rhône winemakers such as Marius Gentaz and Pouchoulin. With no background in wines, he developed his vision and winemaking methods through a lot of readings and visiting winemakers around the globe. He worked with particularly intriguing vineyards and hardworking farmers who grew the healthy grapes he wished to acquire and vinify as he explores the forgotten lands like as Brézème in the northern Côtes-du-Rhône,
Conventional Yet Modest
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Using solely indigenous yeast, he favors a conventional, minimalist approach, organic vine culture, indigenous yeasts, whole bunch fermentation, open-top fermenters, and little or no sulfur at bottling.
Eric sees a trend among younger wine consumers, “They care about how wine is made, whether it’s from a big company or a small grower,” he says. “Very often, these young people say, ‘I’m taking care about what I’m eating, so I am also taking care about what I’m drinking.’” That predilection, he continues, is part of a growing demand in natural wines, which are artisanal pours made with minimal intervention from organic or biodynamic farmland. These customers become loyal customers. "That's good for me," says Eric, whose bottles would never be confused with controlled, commercial pours.
Putting Brézème Appellation Back On The Map
Currently as a leading grower there, Eric Texier's wines are pure and precise, providing a true look into the Rhône's forgotten terroirs and showcasing the Northern Rhône soils as they once were - the way they should have been.
Image source: Flatiron Wines
Shop Eric Texier Chat Fou 2021
Named after Eric's very own crazy cat, this playful blend is a mix of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 20% Clairette is a perfect balance of richness and brightness, it's ideal for warmer weather.
Shop Eric Texier Adele 2022
Bright and fresh on the palate, it’s herbaceous, textured, and finishes crisp and dry. Perfect with shellfish, seafood, or as an aperitif with hard cheese.
Eric Texier Brezeme 2022
Red and dark berry aromas complemented by black olive, floral notes, spice, and a hint of blood orange and smoke. Complex yet juicy that pairs extremely well with richer dishes and stews.