Brezeme Martin Texier 2023

“Brezeme” is the label that Domaine Martin Texier dedicates to the lieu-dit from which it harvests the wildest grapes among its Syrah, those that require the most time and patience to reveal their character: the most edgy side of the northern Rhône, immediate and pure, far from overly cerebral patinas.

“Brezeme” from Domaine Martin Texier represents the pure interpretation of a rather peculiar Syrah. The eponymous territory is located a few kilometers east of the village of Loriol-sur-Drôme and consists of a single limestone slope that descends from an altitude of about 150 meters above sea level towards the course of the Drôme, one of the tributaries of the left bank of the Rhône: it extends over just 22 hectares, of which Martin's and his father Eric's parcel constitutes the largest slice with its 5 hectares. The oldest vines were planted in 1945 and, like the younger ones, are cultivated organically: they benefit from a peculiar microclimate, essentially continental in nature but temperedfrom the currents that come from the Vercors valley, to the southeast. The harvest is done manually and 50% of the harvest is vinified as whole clusters, through a preventive carbonic maceration that lasts for about 10 days. The subsequent pressing is carried out very gently and fermentation starts spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts: pump-overs and rackings are kept to a minimum, to allow for a sweeter aromatic extraction. The aging takes place for several months in concrete tanks and bottling is done without filtration or clarification, while any use of sulfites is reduced to homeopathic doses.

“Brezeme” by Martin Texier has all the appeal of a great classic and presents itself dressed in a deep ruby red color. The nose is captivated by intense and peculiar aromas, which bring a sweet hint of caramel, the ripe fruitiness of dark plums, and the irresistible spicy charge of Syrah. The sip is highly satisfying, a well-measured combination of therustic countryside and the velvety softness of a more urban taste: earthy hints meet a good freshness and a subtle saline verve. A red for a country bread dressed with good oil and hard cheeses.