Fixin Wine Region

Fixin wine area is an appellation hamlet in the Cote de Nuits wine region in Eastern France, a subregion of the Burgundy wine region. The wine appellation includes the communes of Fixin and Brochon, as well as six Premier Cru Vineyards. This wine-growing region produces under the Fixin AOC and the Cote de Nuits villages AOC. The region mostly produces red wines from Pinot Noir, with a little amount of white wine produced as well. Red wines with substantial body and solid structure that are extremely good value are comparable to the famed neighbor, Gevrey Chambertin wine area. Red wines account for around 95% of all wines while white wines account for 5%.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Fixin!

Where is the Fixin wine region?

Fixin wine region is located in the northernmost part of Cotes de Nuits village between Dijon and Gevrey Chambertin. The wine-growing area is evenly divided in the communes of Fixin and Brochon to the south. The region is directly north of the Gevrey Chambertin AOC, one of the prestigious wine regions in Eastern France. Marsannay AOC lies to the north of the Fixin. The total vineyard surface is around 250 acres and is often regarded as stellar terroir. The region is home to 6 Premier Cru vineyards: Clos de la Perriere, Clos du Chapitre, Arvelets, Clos Napoleon, Le Meix Bas, and Hervelets.

History of the Fixin wine region

The Romans were the first to cultivate vines in the region in the third century. The vineyards were planted on the hills rather than along the river, as was customary for Romans. The wine business in eastern France, particularly Fixin, grew as Benedictines and Cistercians sought wines for their sacred rituals. During the nineteenth century, the hamlet of Fixey was included to the Fixin wine area. Fixin AOC wines, Cote de Nuits village wines, and even Gevrey Chambertin are produced in the region. On December 8, 1936, the area was given AOC designation.

The terroir and geography of the Fixin wine region

Fixin has a continental climate with dry summers and mild winters. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, which aids grape ripening and sugar content. The soil of the Premier crus vineyards is primarily limestone, giving it a dark tint. The majority of the region's vineyards face east and southeast, maximizing sun exposure. The region's height ranges from 290 to 350 meters above sea level, with steep hills. The soil on these slopes drains efficiently, which aids in grape cultivation.

Popular grape varieties from the Fixin wine region

The Fixin wine region's main grape type is Pinot Noir, which accounts for around 96% of total production. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are also grown in the region. Pinot Gris was also grown in the Fixin wine area, which was eventually decommissioned in 2011. Although the legislation permits up to 15% of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc to be used as accessory grapes in red wines, this is rarely done. White wines are often made entirely of Chardonnay, however, blending with Pinot Blanc is permitted. Because white wine production in the Fixin wine area is extremely limited, the possibilities of this wine leaving the region are minimal.

Food to pair with Fixin wine 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew popular in French cuisine and prepared with Burgundy wines. The dish includes ingredients such as beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The beef is sautéed in butter or oil before being mixed with the remaining ingredients. Boeuf bourguignon is typically served with mashed potatoes or noodles.

The dish is not typical of Burgundy cuisine; rather, the use of wine explains the name. The dish was first recorded in 1867 and was commonly made using leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian delicacy at the start of the twentieth century.

Because of the lengthy cooking time, the flavors of the dinner are rich, subtle, and hearty. Fixin's powerful red wine adds complexity to the sauce.

Grilled Portobello mushrooms

The sole distinction between white button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms is that the latter is older. When compared to younger white mushrooms, these are brown and massive. Portobello mushrooms are coated with the marinade, oil, and seasonings on both sides before grilling the cap side down until slightly browned. Lemon juice, cheese, or vinaigrette are frequent meal additions. These portobello mushrooms' meaty flavors pair well with medium to full-bodied wines. Pair with Fixin wine.

Pepperoni pizzas

Pizza expanded over the world, beginning in Italy, with several variations in toppings and cooking methods. Pizza is a spherical flat crust topped with tomato sauce and any toppings you like, such as cheese, meat, olive oil, herbs, sausages, and whatever else you want. This delicacy was originally baked in firewood ovens but is now frequently prepared in high-temperature ovens. Pizza is particularly aromatic due to the use of herbs such as basil and oregano.

The Fixin's earthiness matches the flavor of the herbs on the pizza. The acidic, medium-bodied Fixin wine complements the pizza's tangy sauce and pepperoni.

Places to visit in the Fixin wine region

Church of Fixey

The Fixey Church is a St. Anthony-dedicated Romanesque church from the tenth century. The church is one of the oldest structures in the hilly region south of Dijon. The church's architecture is pre-Renaissance and pre-Gothic. This medieval church is located in the hamlet of Fixey, close to the town of Fixin. The church is situated in the midst of a vineyard. The church's oratory and bell tower date from 902 AD. The church was restored multiple times, the most recent being in 1720 when it was extended and the floor was refinished.

Fixin Washhouse

The washhouse comes from the nineteenth century and is located in the town of Fixin, in the department of Cote d'Or. Auguste Sirodot, a well-known Dijon architect, designed the washhouse on the Route des Grands Crus in 1827. The washhouse is one of Burgundy's most magnificent washhouses. The washroom is semi-circular in shape and has a round pool fed by ferruginous water.

Frequently asked questions about Fixin