Wines Fixin Crais De Chene - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Fixin AOC wines, particularly from the outstanding 2019 vintage, offer a fine introduction to the more northerly stretches of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. This cuvée from Crais De Chene is crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape of the region. The 2019 vintage stands out for its balance between ripe fruit and fresh acidity, benefiting from a relatively warm but not excessively hot growing season, which allowed for even maturation and fine phenolic ripeness. The terroir here is defined by limestone-rich soils often mixed with marl, providing the wines with structure and mineral complexity. Vinification tends to be traditional, highlighting purity of fruit and subtle oak influences, thus expressing both the variety and the nuances of the Fixin’s terroir.

Fixin itself comes with a viticultural heritage that reaches back centuries, being one of the earliest appellations encountered traveling south from Dijon along the Côte de Nuits. The region's relatively cool continental climate helps Pinot Noir retain vibrant acidity and clear aromatics, while the rocky soils impart a certain firmness and longevity to the wines. Though sometimes overshadowed by illustrious neighbours such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Fixin wines are renowned for their combination of robust tannic backbone and fragrant red and black fruit, along with earth and spice notes.

When it comes to food pairings, a Fixin rouge like this excels with classic Burgundian fare. Coq au vin or a beef Bourguignon, with their rich sauces and slow-cooked flavours, bring out the best in the wine's acidity and subtle earthiness. Roast duck breast, wild mushroom dishes or even a herbed rack of lamb work wonderfully as well. The wine’s freshness and gentle structure also mean it can accompany charcuterie or lighter game dishes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Fixin around 15-17°C. Decanting for about 30 to 45 minutes will help the wine open up, revealing its full bouquet and softening any youthful edges. If cellaring, 2019 has the potential for further development over the next 5 to 8 years, rewarding patience with enhanced complexity.