Fixin

The Fixin appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is a communal appellation in the Côte de Nuits wine region of Côte-d'Or, covering the communes of Fixin and Brochon, and has been recognized since 1936. This appellation includes five climats classified as Fixin Premier Cru. Fixin wines can also claim the Côte de Nuits-Villages appellation.

The reputation of Burgundy wines is well established, and the Côte de Nuits, which stretches from the outskirts of Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges, is home to the greatest red wine appellations. But if Fixin is not one of the most famous names, it is because its prestigious neighbor Gevrey-Chambertin has long overshadowed it. However, it is high time to discover this appellation.

With its 89 hectares, 85 of which are planted with Pinot Noir, Fixin cannot compete with its neighbor Gevrey and its 400 hectares, if only in terms of surface area. Fixin also has no Grand Cru classified vineyards and only five Premier Cru classified vineyards, at the top of which are Clos de la Perrière and Clos du Chapitre. In addition, part of the production is marketed under the "Côte de Nuits villages" appellation, which, apart from Fixin, includes the other communes of the Côte de Nuits that do not have a large enough area to have their own communal appellation. Fixin has therefore long cultivated its discretion and has even been a well-kept secret for a long time. Indeed, the appellation's relative obscurity has prevented Fixin wines from suffering the same inflation as those from more prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits, but lovers of great Burgundy wines have always known that the commune's terroirs are capable of producing wines of great quality.

The Fixin and Fixin Premier Cru vineyards face east and southeast. The soils are fairly uniform brown limestone in the premier cru vineyards. The vines are planted at an altitude of between 350 and 380 meters. More marly nuances appear in certain areas. The appellation's 96 hectares produce around 4,000 hectoliters per year.

The Fixin and Fixin Premier Cru appellation produces red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape variety and, to a lesser extent, white wines made from the Chardonnay grape variety. Fixin red wine is what is known as a "winter wine" because it needs to be aged in the bottle.

Fixin boasts clay-limestone soils of astonishing geological complexity, on which Pinot Noir, Burgundy's great noble red grape variety, flourishes like no other. To the eye, Fixin red wines have a beautiful deep purple color that hints at a pronounced tannic structure. On the nose, notes of licorice, tobacco, and spices complement the fruit, with blackcurrant dominating. On the palate, when young, Fixin red wines are sometimes a little rough, with lively but rarely aggressive tannins. This tannic texture makes them wines with excellent aging potential, particularly the Premiers Crus, which reach their peak between 5 and 10 years of age. When the tannins are allowed to soften, the palate is beautifully long and exemplary in its straightforwardness. Acidity may appear, but without astringency, giving the wine its nobility and persistence and revealing aromas of black fruits. These wines are best enjoyed with red meat, poultry, or a rich cheese platter.

Often tannic and a little harsh in its youth, aged Fixin has a round and lively attack and a solid structure. It is remarkably rich and has a delicate texture. Its qualities are best appreciated in the wines produced by Domaine René Bouvier, Domaine Méo-Camuzet, and Domaine Charlopin-Parizot.

Already discreet in itself, the Fixin appellation is even more so when it refers to a white wine. As mentioned above, only 4 hectares are dedicated to white grape varieties, and in this case to Chardonnay when we talk about the village appellation. Here again, these are wines for connoisseurs. Pale yellow in color, with a nose suggesting hazelnut and bergamot. On the palate, their minerality makes them sharp, sapid wines, with hints of fern and hawthorn. These wines are perfect with Burgundy snails, but also with grilled salmon or white meat. Original wines with character.