Why it matters
The producer
Stéphus Fichet was cultivating vines in Igé in 1408. Francis Fichet founded the modern independent domaine in 1976 after leaving the village cooperative during a wine crisis. Today, brothers Pierre Yves and Olivier Fichet divide the work, with Pierre Yves handling viticulture and Olivier making the wines.
Domaine Fichet farms 30 hectares and produces 200,000 bottles annually. HVE3 certification arrived in 2019. The domaine's named wines include Château London, Mâcon Igé Climat La Crépillonne and Mâcon Burgy Les 3 Terroirs Chardonnay.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Le Martoret is a hamlet in Igé, a Burgundy village of approximately 900 people where many make a living from wine. Château London and La Crépillonne carry the village name, while Les 3 Terroirs names Burgy.
These labels place the wines within the Mâconnais through village and climat names. A climat is a named vineyard site, so the label identifies a specific place rather than only a broad regional address.
Wines to know
The range in view
Château London is a Chardonnay from a shared 15 hectare climat, with Domaine Fichet controlling 3.5 hectares. Some vines were planted in 1929. The wine is produced in 35,000 bottles and is fresh, supple, light and springtime, with ripe fruit, roundness, minerality and balance.
Fine lees are stirred 2 to 3 times during élevage. Batonnage returns the fine lees to suspension during ageing and can add texture to a white wine.