Domaine Pierre Gelin is the leading wine producer in the small village of Fixin (pronounced “Fees-an”). The domaine has 32 acres within Fixin and in nearby Gevrey-Chambertin, including holdings in five of Fixin’s eight premier crus. They are the monopole owner of one of the very best Fixin premier crus, the Clos Napoléon. The family domaine was founded in 1925 by its namesake Pierre Gelin and is currently in the hands of Pierre’s grandson, Pierre-Emmanuel. Pierre-Emmanuel farms organically and works to minimize the impact on the environment in both vineyard and cellar. Domaine Pierre Gelin endeavors to produce wines that are “pure and honest.”
Fixin is a quiet village sitting at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits, just a short half-hour drive from the center of Dijon. Fixin became an AOC in 1936 with 222 acres of vines and eight premier crus. Almost all the village’s production is red, and the wines tend to be robust, structured, and earthy. Domaine Pierre Gelin owns 32 acres in total, including parcels in five of the Fixin premier crus and the monopole Clos Napoléon. In 1961 Pierre also purchased vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, including the monopole Clos de Meixvelle, Clos Prieur 1er cru, and the Grand Cru Clos de Bèze.
The Gelin family invested in a larger, more efficient winery, which was upgraded and ready for the 2011 harvest. “The new winery allows us more flexibility during harvest, as well as the technology to increase wine quality,” says Pierre-Emmanuel. The wines of Domaine Pierre Gelin have always been de-stemmed with a long cuvaison of 8-10 days and a judicious use of oak. Only indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation which takes place in stainless-steel and oak tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrel and the wines are aged for 20-24 months in varying percentages of new oak: up to 80% new oak for the Grand Cru, and 25% new for the premier crus. They use older barrels for village wines.
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Emilio Rojo Ribeiro Blanc is made from 80% Trajadura, 20% others.
Emilio Rojo is produced on the hillside facing the morning sun of the Avia Valley. The vineyard has been tirelessly worked for over 30 years and through these efforts it shaped an iconic landscape that is defined by its perfect terraces and artisanal viticulture.
Emilio Rojo has been designed to transcend time. A wine made in communion with Nature and attached to the roots of the vines that faithfully express the character of the place. Emilio Rojo is the perfect fusion of the man and the vineyard.
Emilio Rojo is a blend of different local varieties (treixadura, lado, godello, caíño blanco, albariño and torrontés) that resulted in a delicate, but tense and lively wine. A complex nose that opens with time, marked by round, citrus fruit notes and floral nuances. An energetic and elegant feel with great depth that leads to a long, full finish. An honest representation of this unique plot.
Review:
"Shimmering yellow. A wild, highly complex bouquet evokes ripe citrus and orchard fruits, succulent herbs, fennel and chamomile, and a smoky mineral element adds urgency and lift. Stains the palate with concentrated Meyer lemon, pear and peach nectar, honey and floral flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Deftly combines depth and energy and finishes extremely long and minerally, with resonating orchard fruit and floral notes. - Josh RAYNOLDS"
- Vinous (June 2021), 95 pts
Ruby red with soft purplish reflections. Rich and complex on the nose, very reminiscent of small fruits of brambles, black cherry and a very delicate hint of softwood. On the palate it is decisive, complex and extraordinarily persistent.
Review:
Complex aromas of ripe fruit, toffee, cedar and smoke. Medium body, round and creamy tannins and a fresh, juicy finish.
-James Suckling 94 Points