Chat Fou Côtes du Rhône- fresh, light, charming and pretty

No matter the source, Éric Texier's priority and passion is purity. Over years of intensive study and experimentation, he has picked and chosen from various farming traditions and philosophies--organics, biodynamics and Fukuoka among others—to arrive at the best way to get out of the way of the purest expression of grape, place and vintage in his wines.  His own vineyards are certified-organic, but he rejects the use of copper and sulfur treatments (which are permitted in organics); he uses some of the plant-based preparations of biodynamics but rejects its animal-based ones. He encourages cover crops but no longer works the soils. Harvest is of course strictly by hand.When vines need to be replaced, they are done by selection massale his vineyards.
The goal is finesse, not weight or power, which one senses in the fine acidity, the high-toned aromatics and the clean lines of his wines.