Clos du Chapitre (1er Cru, Fixin)

Clos du Chapitre sits in the heart of the village of Fixin, one of the northernmost communes of the Côte de Nuits. The vineyard occupies a southeast-facing slope below the Clos de la Perrière, a historic site established by Cistercian monks. At 5 hectares, it is one of the more substantial Premier Cru parcels in this compact appellation, which counts just six Premier Cru sites in total.

• Situated in Fixin, Côte de Nuits, northern Burgundy
• Southeast-facing slope for consistent morning sun exposure
• Positioned below the Cistercian-linked Clos de la Perrière
• One of six Premier Cru sites within the Fixin appellation

The vineyard's soils are a classic Côte de Nuits combination of marl and limestone with clay, interspersed with stony material that promotes drainage and adds textural complexity to the wines. Fixin experiences a cool continental climate with a long growing season, allowing Pinot Noir to ripen gradually and develop concentration. This extended ripening period contributes to the structured, minerally character that defines wines from the site.

• Marl and limestone base with clay influence
• Stony soils aid drainage and add mineral precision
• Cool continental climate with a long ripening season
• Slow ripening builds concentration and firm tannin structure

Clos du Chapitre is a monopole, meaning the entire vineyard is owned and vinified by a single producer, Domaine Guy & Yvan Dufouleur. This is a notable distinction in Burgundy, where fragmented ownership is the norm. The vineyard's name references the ecclesiastical chapter that historically governed land in the area, connecting it to the deep monastic history of Burgundy's great vineyards. The neighboring Clos de la Perrière was built by Cistercian monks, and the broader Fixin landscape retains strong ties to medieval land stewardship.

• Full monopole status, entirely owned by Domaine Guy & Yvan Dufouleur
• Name derives from the ecclesiastical chapter with historic land rights in the area
• Neighboring Clos de la Perrière was established by Cistercian monks
• Monopole ownership is uncommon in Burgundy's typically fragmented vineyard system

Wines from Clos du Chapitre are weighty and structured, reflecting the cooler northern position of Fixin within the Côte de Nuits. Bright fruit flavors are framed by firm, grippy tannins and a pronounced minerality that runs through the palate into a rustic finish. Fixin as an appellation is known for producing some of the more robust and age-worthy Pinot Noirs on the Côte de Nuits, and Clos du Chapitre represents this style with clarity. These are not immediately approachable wines; they reward patience and cellaring.

• Weighty, structured Pinot Noir with bright fruit character
• Firm tannins are a defining feature of the appellation style
• Strong minerality runs through the mid-palate and into the finish
• Benefits from cellaring; not intended for early drinking