Eric Texier worked as a nuclear engineer before deciding he would rather make wine. He became a winemaker without any industry experience or family background in vines or wines. His goals and methods developed not from years of schooling (though he studied enology for 2 years at Bordeaux in 1992 and in 1993), but from his readings, visits with winemakers around the world, and work in Burgundy with Jean-Marie Guffens at Verget. He made his first vintage in 1995.
After giving up the idea of buying vineyards (which was too costly a proposition for someone just getting started), he started a small négoce where he selected particularly interesting vineyards. He rediscovered nearly forgotten areas of ancient fame, like Brézème in the northern Côtes du Rhône, and nurtured relationships with people who tend their vines with great passion and care. He has since acquired plots in Côte Rôtie and Condrieu in the northern Rhône, and replanted several hectares in Brézème, with Syrah and Roussanne.
Today, Texier has two sides to his business. First, he continues to act as a negociant (he produces many different wines, from 10 different origins, from Bussières in the Mâconnais to the northern Rhône and the southern Côtes-du-Rhône), but he also makes wines from his own vineyard in Brézème. Brézème is a small appellation in the northern Rhône. He was fascinated by the fact that in the mid-19th century, its wines rivalled those of Hermitage. By 1961, however, just one hectare remained. Eric has now put the appellation back on the map, and is now the leading grower there. He works his vineyards biodynamically, and makes all his wines in a natural manner, only adding sulphur dioxide at bottling.
Eric Texier Brézème Côtes du Rhône 2007
100% Syrah. Aromatics of violet, cherry, red fruit and twizzler. On the palate, on the lighter side with raspberry and cranberry and a little bit of black olive, pepper and thyme. Very approachable, fruit driven and not overly complex. I don’t think this sees any wood and was very Gamay-like to me in many ways. 12% alcohol. $21 a bottle at Chambers Street Wines.
Eric Texier Brézème Côtes du Rhône Roussanne 2007
Stone fruits, hay and wildflowers on the nose. On the palate, apricot, green apple and pear with a little honey. Good minerality, richness and acidity. Medium finish. 12.5% alcohol. $24 a bottle at Chambers Street Wines.
I thought both of these wines were well made and enjoyable. The Syrah was a bit more interesting of the two wines, but I probably preferred the Roussanne. Imported by Louis/Dressner.
