Fixin

TheFixin appellation d'origine contrôlée is a communal appellation in the Côte de Nuits, Côte-d'Or, covering the communes of Fixin and Brochon, recognized since 1936. The appellation comprises 5 climats classified as Fixin Premier Cru. Fixin wines are also eligible for the Côte de Nuits-Villages appellation.

The reputation of Burgundy wines is well established, and the Côte de Nuits, which stretches from just outside Dijon to Nuits-st-Georges, is home to some of the world's greatest red wine appellations. But if Fixin isn't one of the most famous names, it's because its prestigious neighbor Gevrey-Chambertin has long overshadowed it. But it's high time you discovered the appellation.

With its 89 hectares, 85 of which are planted with Pinot Noir, Fixin is hardly a match for its 400-hectare neighbor Gevrey. Fixin also has no Grand Cru climats, and only five Premier Cru climats, including 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 surface area to have their own communal appellation. Fixin has long cultivated its discretion, and has even long been a well-kept secret. Indeed, the lower profile of the appellation has prevented Fixin wines from suffering the same inflation as those from the more prestigious Côte de Nuits appellations, but lovers of great Burgundy wines have always known that the terroirs of the commune are capable of producing top-quality wines.

The vineyards of Fixin and Fixin Premier Cru face east and southeast. The soils are brown limestone, fairly homogeneous in the Premier Crus. The vines are planted between 350 and 380 meters above sea level. More marly nuances appear in some places. The 96-hectare appellation produces around 4,000 hectolitres a year.

The Fixin and Fixin Premier Cru wine appellation produces red wines from the Pinot Noir grape and, to a lesser extent, white wines from the Chardonnay grape. As a red wine, Fixin is what is known as a "winter wine", as it requires bottle age.

Fixin's clay-limestone soils, with their astonishing geological complexity, are ideal for Pinot Noir, Burgundy's great noble red grape variety. To the eye, Fixin's red wines have a deep purple color that suggests a marked tannic structure. On the nose, notes of licorice, tobacco and spices complement the fruit, with blackcurrant dominating. On the palate, Fixin's red wines are sometimes a little stuffy in their youth, with lively but rarely aggressive tannins. This tannic chewiness makes them very good cellaring wines which, especially for the Premiers Crus, blossom between 5 and 10 years of age. When the tannins are allowed to soften, the palate is long and straightforward. Acidity may appear, but without astringency, giving the wine its nobility and persistence, and revealing aromas of black fruits. These are wines to be enjoyed with red meat, poultry or a rich cheese platter.

Often tannic and a little hard in its youth, Fixin élevé has a round, lively attack and a solid structure. Its fatness is remarkable, its texture delicate. Its qualities are best appreciated in the crus offered by Domaine René Bouvier, Domaine Méo-Camuzet or Domaine Charlopin-Parizot.

Already discreet in its own right, the Fixin appellation is even more so when it comes to white wines. As we said, only 4 hectares are dedicated to white grape varieties, and in this case to Chardonnay when we're talking about the village appellation. Once again, these are wines for amateurs. Pale yellow in color, the nose reveals hints of hazelnut and bergamot. On the palate, the minerality makes these wines sharp and sapid, with hints of fern and hawthorn. They're perfect with Burgundy snails, grilled salmon or white meat. Original wines with character.