From: Rhône Valley, France
Blend: Grenache and Cinsault with 20% white grapes (mostly Clairette)
Taste: On the nose, a charming and expressive bouquet showcases bright aromas of red currant, ripe strawberry, and morello cherry, complemented by delicate floral hints of violet and rose petal, as well as refreshing citrus undertones. As the wine opens up, subtle white pepper and lavender notes add depth and complexity. This light to medium-bodied wine on the palate displays a silky and supple texture, with a harmonious interplay between ripe red and black fruit flavors and a savory, earthy character. The well-integrated acidity provides a backbone that lifts the fruit, while fine- grained tannins add structure without overpowering the delicate nature of the wine. The finish is moderately long, leaving a lingering impression of red berries, fresh herbs, and a whisper of minerality.
Pairing: The 2022 Crazy Cat (Chat Fou) Rouge is a versatile and food-friendly wine that can be enjoyed with a wide range of dishes. Its bright fruit flavors, refreshing acidity, and subtle earthiness make it an ideal partner for Mediterranean-inspired fare, such as grilled or roasted chicken (or check out the Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Meatball recipe below!), lamb, or pork with fresh herbs and olives. The wine's delicate nature also lends itself to lighter dishes like seared tuna, salmon, or duck breast, served with a tangy berry or citrus sauce.
For a casual option, consider pairing this delightful wine with charcuterie, aged cheeses, or even a simple Margherita pizza, allowing the wine's fruit and floral notes to complement the dish's savory components.
The 2022 Eric Texier VdF Chat Fou Rouge pairs beautifully with vegetarian dishes. Its vibrant fruit flavors and balanced acidity make it a great companion to dishes featuring tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, or zucchini, such as ratatouille, stuffed bell peppers, or hearty vegetable lasagna.
Lemon-Dill Meatballs With Orzo
By Ali Slagle
About. The 2022 Eric Texier VdF Chat Fou Rouge is a delightful and refreshing Rhône wine that embodies the innovative spirit and expertise of winemaker Eric Texier. This unique blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and 20% white grapes (mostly Clairette) hails from the warm St-Julien en St-Alban zone on the northern bank of the Ouvèze River–across the river from the village of Brézème, which lies just southeast of Cornas and Saint-Péray. Some fruit is sourced, but all are certified organic and hand-harvested, like the estate vines.
The wine's production process pays homage to Texier's commitment to clean, natural winemaking. The bunches are partly de-stemmed and co-fermented with native yeasts in open-top concrete tanks with a short maceration (around 5 days) and no sulfur. No extraction techniques are applied to the wine, as is true for all Texier reds. Chat Fou is aged in a concrete tank on its fine lees for around 12 months and bottled without fining or filtration and with a small amount of sulfur (for stability in transit).
Named after Eric's 'crazy cat,' this Chat Fou Rouge embodies a wild and playful character. Its bouquet is an enticing blend of red currant, strawberry, and morello cherry, accompanied by floral and citrus notes. The palate is a delicate balance of savory complexity and refreshing acidity, featuring perfumed red and black fruits with hints of white pepper and lavender.
Texier's journey as a winemaker has been one of exploration, experimentation, and pushing boundaries. From his background as a nuclear engineer to his passion for rediscovering forgotten grape varieties, Texier has proven himself an influential figure in the world of wine. His connection to importer Louis/Dressner and the relationships he's built with other winemakers demonstrate his dedication to learning and sharing knowledge in the industry.