Domaine Fichet Crémant de Bourgogne Brut NV

Domaine Fichet is one of the oldest wine-producing families in Burgundy, with documented winemaking history dating back to 1408, when Stéphus Fichet began cultivating vineyards in Igé. The family maintained viticulture through countless generations, though the modern estate began in 1976 when Francis Fichet broke away from the local cooperative to establish independent production. This bold decision came during a challenging period for French wine, yet Francis's vision laid the foundation for today's respected domaine.

Located in the hamlet of Le Martoret in the village of Igé, southern Burgundy, Domaine Fichet now encompasses 35 hectares across the communes of Igé and Burgy. Brothers Pierre-Yves and Olivier Fichet have managed the estate since the early 1990s, expanding holdings from their father's original 11 hectares while significantly elevating quality. Pierre-Yves handles viticulture and vineyard management, while Olivier oversees winemaking and cellar operations. This division of labor allows each brother to specialize in his area of expertise.

The domaine cultivates 13.5 hectares of Chardonnay, 6.5 hectares of Pinot Noir, 3.5 hectares of Gamay, and 1 hectare of Aligoté. Pierre-Yves's vineyard work has earned HVE3 and Terrae sustainability certifications, reflecting the estate's commitment to environmental responsibility. Like many progressive Burgundy producers, Domaine Fichet emphasizes sustainable viticulture practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity.

Domaine Fichet produces a diverse portfolio including village-level Mâcon-Igé and Mâcon-Burgy, Bourgogne appellation wines, Pouilly-Fuissé from purchased fruit, and Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wines. The estate's flagship single-vineyard cuvées come from historic sites like Château London, recognized as one of the Mâconnais' oldest and most prestigious terroirs. The site's unique white limestone content in chalk and clay soils, combined with morning fog and distinctive microclimate, produces Chardonnay with exceptional mineral character and complexity.

Francis Fichet pioneered Pinot Noir plantings in this Chardonnay-dominated region during the 1980s, demonstrating the family's innovative spirit. Those original vines now exceed 40 years old, producing structured red wines that showcase the region's limestone terroir. The domaine vinifies grapes in small parcels, tailoring cellar work to each vineyard's characteristics—an approach reflecting Burgundy's terroir-focused philosophy.

Domaine Fichet exports wines to over 20 countries while maintaining strong direct sales in France, producing 180,000-200,000 bottles annually. Olivier Fichet has twice been recognized among Young Professionals of the Vines' best young talents, acknowledging his winemaking skill and dedication to quality.

Burgundy stretches across eastern France from Chablis in the north to the Mâconnais in the south, covering approximately 250 kilometers of vineyard-covered hillsides. This historic wine region produces some of the world's most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a complex appellation system that recognizes individual vineyard sites and terroir variations. Burgundy's continental climate, limestone-rich soils, and centuries of viticultural refinement create wines of remarkable elegance and aging potential.

The Mâconnais: Southern Burgundy's Chardonnay Heartland

The Mâconnais occupies Burgundy's southernmost section, extending from Tournus to just north of Lyon. This warmer, more Mediterranean-influenced area produces approachable, fruit-forward wines that offer accessible entry points into Burgundian Chardonnay. The region takes its name from the town of Mâcon, a historic trading center along the Saône River.

Unlike the Côte d'Or's narrow limestone escarpment, the Mâconnais features rolling hills with diverse exposures and soil compositions. Limestone and clay dominate, with some areas showing chalk and granite influence. The region's warmer temperatures and increased sunshine produce riper, fuller-bodied Chardonnays compared to Chablis or the Côte de Beaune, though they maintain characteristic Burgundian acidity and minerality.

Igé and Local Appellations

Domaine Fichet operates in Igé, a small village in the heart of the Mâconnais. Igé holds its own village-level appellation, Mâcon-Igé, recognizing the area's distinctive terroir. The village sits on hillsides with south and southeast exposures, providing optimal sunlight for grape ripening. The limestone-rich soils, particularly in sites like Château London, impart mineral character and structure to the wines.

The Mâconnais encompasses several quality tiers. Basic Mâcon or Mâcon-Villages represents regional blends. Village-designated wines like Mâcon-Igé, Mâcon-Viré, or Mâcon-Lugny indicate specific commune origins. At the top sits Pouilly-Fuissé, the region's most prestigious appellation, producing age-worthy Chardonnays from exceptional limestone sites.

Burgundy has embraced natural and organic winemaking, with producers across the region pursuing minimal intervention. While Lombardy's Valtellina showcases Alpine Nebbiolo and natural winemaking in extreme conditions, Burgundy's natural wine movement focuses on expressing limestone terroir through Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Many Mâconnais producers practice organic viticulture and spontaneous fermentation, allowing indigenous yeasts to guide fermentation naturally.

Crémant de Bourgogne Production

Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy's traditional-method sparkling wine appellation, can be produced throughout the region. The Mâconnais contributes significantly to Crémant production, with Chardonnay providing the backbone for these elegant sparkling wines. Producers harvest grapes earlier than for still wines, maintaining higher acidity essential for sparkling wine production. The méthode champenoise process requires secondary fermentation in bottle, followed by extended lees aging that develops complexity, texture, and fine bubbles characteristic of quality sparkling wines.