Site: Fixin is located in the Côte de Nuits area, between Dijon and Gevrey-Chambertin. It produces both Village and Premier cru wines, mostly red wines, but some plots are planted with Chardonnay grape variety.Fixin Premier Cru Clos de la Perrière extends on homogeneous brown limestone soils and enjoys a south-east exposure, at an altitude of 350 to 380 metres (1148 to 1246 feet).History and tradition: Fixin does not produce any Grand Cru; however, during the 19th century, one of its appellations competed with the greatest Burgundy wines: the Clos de la Perrière used to be compared to the Chambertin! The Monks of Cîteaux, during the 12th century, were the first to discover the mysteries of the quality of these wines. In 1142, they settled in the heart of this 5-hectare vineyard (just over 12 acres) and built there the "Manoir de la Perrière” which they dedicated to wine ageing. They chose the Clos de la Perrière on purpose, considering its good "terroir” and ideal exposure.Soil: clay and limestone.
Viticulture
Plantation density: 10,000 vinestocks/ha in order to extract as much as possible from the terroir and limit the production of each vine stock.Pruning: Guyot.Yield: 40 hl/ha - purposely low, in order for the grapes to reveal every nuance of the terroir.Grape Supply: grapes and wines provided by regular supply partners.
Vinification
- Maceration and vinification take 2 to 3 weeks- Indigenous yeasts- Maceration and fermentation temperatures under total control.Joseph Drouhin seeks total control of the process of extraction; extraction gives colour and substance but should never be detrimental to the finesse and typical character of the wine.
Ageing
Type: in barrels (10% in new oak).Length: 12 to 15 months.Origin of the wood: French oak forests.Weathering of the wood: Joseph Drouhin insists on total control of the weathering for a period of 3 years, one of the contributing elements to the elegance of the wine.Throughout the ageing process, decisions are taken only after careful tasting evaluation, barrel by barrel. The data obtained is then completed through technical analysis. As with every other Joseph Drouhin wine, absolute priority is given to the true expression of terroir and character of the vintage.
Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin
"Bright intense ruby-red colour. A lot of aromas -reminiscent of small black fruit, spices, toasted notes, caramel, liquorice, mint- constitute a most harmonious and pure wine. Ample on the palate, it offers a surprising length on a refined tannic structure, and provides a sense of fullness. Very enticing and generous wine, both fleshy and elegant. A "haute couture" wine, corresponding to the style of the Maison Joseph Drouhin, and typical of the Côte de Nuits".
Vintage
The reds display a bright ruby-red colour and reveal aromas of black fruit and spices above silky tannins.
2011 wines are well-balanced.
Serving
Temperature: 18°C (64°F).Cellaring: 3 to 12 years.
