Clos de la Perrière (1er Cru, Fixin)

Clos de la Perrière was established by Cistercian monks in 1142, making it one of the oldest cultivated vineyard sites in the Côte de Nuits. The name derives from an old quarry ('perrière' referring to a stone-extraction site) that once occupied part of the land. For centuries, the clos was regarded as one of Burgundy's finest vineyards, historically compared to Chambertin and described as a tête de cuvée, meaning a flagship or benchmark wine of the region. The Joliet family acquired ownership in 1853 and has maintained the monopole ever since. In 2004, Bénigne Joliet consolidated full ownership, cementing the family's singular control over this historic site.

• Founded by Cistercians in 1142, predating many of Burgundy's most celebrated crus
• Named for a former quarry on the property, 'perrière' meaning stone extraction site
• Historically ranked alongside Chambertin as a benchmark Burgundy
• Joliet family monopole since 1853; consolidated by Bénigne Joliet in 2004

The vineyard sits at 350 to 380 metres elevation on a southeast-facing slope in the commune of Fixin, at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits. The soils combine brown limestone with clay and stony limestone, a composition that drives the structured, mineral character typical of Fixin reds. The continental climate brings hot, dry summers and cool, crisp winters, concentrating fruit and encouraging the firm tannic structure for which wines from this clos are known. At 5 hectares, the site is compact but climatically and geologically consistent throughout.

• Southeast-facing slope at 350 to 380 metres in Fixin, northern Côte de Nuits
• Brown limestone with clay and stony limestone soils
• Continental climate with hot summers and cool winters
• 5 hectares total area under vine

Clos de la Perrière produces full-bodied, powerful Pinot Noir with prominent red and black fruit aromas alongside the mineral and earthy qualities associated with Fixin as an appellation. The wines are built for long aging, with firm tannins and good acidity providing the structure necessary for extended cellaring. Fixin reds are often described as more muscular than those from neighbouring Gevrey-Chambertin, and Clos de la Perrière represents the apex of that style within the commune. A small quantity of Chardonnay is also grown within the clos, though Pinot Noir dominates production.

• Full-bodied, powerful Pinot Noir with red and black fruit character
• Firm tannins and good acidity support long aging potential
• More muscular profile than Gevrey-Chambertin; typical of Fixin's house style
• Small plantings of Chardonnay also present within the monopole

Clos de la Perrière holds Premier Cru status within the Fixin appellation and is a monopole, meaning a single owner controls the entire vineyard. Domaine Joliet, as the monopole holder, is the primary producer. Albert Bichot and Maison Joseph Drouhin are also associated with the vineyard, likely through négociant arrangements. The monopole status is relatively rare among Burgundy's Premier Crus and adds to the vineyard's prestige and collectibility.

• Premier Cru monopole within the Fixin appellation
• Domaine Joliet is the monopole owner and primary producer
• Albert Bichot and Maison Joseph Drouhin also produce wines from this site
• Monopole status is uncommon among Burgundy Premier Crus, increasing collectibility