# Brézème Roussanne (2020)

- **Producer:** Éric Texier
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Roussanne
- **Region:** Northern Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** fennel, apple, apricot, peach, pear, honeysuckle, blossom, cream, butter, beeswax, honey, ginger, nutmeg, almond, wet stones

## About this wine

The Brézème 2020 Roussanne is a white wine from the Northern Rhône, specifically from the Brézème appellation, which Éric Texier has played a significant role in reviving. This wine is made from 100% Roussanne grapes grown on old vines, some planted as early as 1936, on south-facing slopes with limestone-rich clay soils. Éric Texier's winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, organic farming practices, and the use of neutral vessels to allow the grapes and the Brézème terroir to express themselves fully. Production volumes are typically small, making this a sought-after wine.

## Interesting facts

- Texier uses native yeasts for fermentation.
- Vines for this cuvée were planted as early as 1936.
- Production is typically very small, often under 100 cases.
- The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and potential for creamy texture pair well with richer dishes. Its inherent freshness and minerality can cut through fatty elements, while herbal and stone fruit notes complement a range of proteins and vegetables.

## Wine making process

The Roussanne grapes are direct-pressed, and fermentation is initiated spontaneously using indigenous yeasts, often without the addition of sulfur. Aging takes place in neutral vessels such as terracotta amphorae or old barrels, eschewing new oak to maintain the purity of the fruit and terroir. Malolactic fermentation may occur. The wine is typically bottled without fining or filtration, with minimal or no added sulfur, reflecting a commitment to minimal intervention.