Creux de la Net

Creux de la Net sits in the main block of Premier Cru vineyards south of the village of Pernand-Vergelesses, high up on the slope where vines give way to forest. At elevations ranging from 250 to 350 meters, it occupies one of the more elevated positions among Côte de Beaune Premier Crus. The southeast-facing aspect captures morning sun while protecting the vines from the harshest afternoon heat, contributing to the freshness that defines wines from this site.

• Located in the principal Premier Cru block south of the village
• High slope position near the forest line creates a cooler mesoclimate
• Southeast aspect supports even ripening and preserved acidity
• Part of the Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru appellation within Côte de Beaune

The soils at Creux de la Net are a mix of gray marl, clay-limestone, and stony material, typical of the upper Côte de Beaune slopes. The gray marl component lends a mineral backbone to the wines, while the clay fraction retains enough moisture to sustain vines during the warm, dry summers that characterize the growing season. Autumn and winter bring higher rainfall. This combination of well-drained, mineral-rich soils and a temperate continental climate produces wines with structure, lift, and definition.

• Gray marl provides mineral character and structural backbone
• Clay-limestone mix supports vine nutrition and moderate water retention
• Stony soils improve drainage, critical at this elevation
• Temperate climate with warm dry summers and wet winters

Creux de la Net produces both red and white wine, though it is classified primarily among the red wine Premier Crus of Pernand-Vergelesses. The Pinot Noir here is fresh and elegant, with bright fruit and a fine-boned structure that reflects the cooler high-slope environment. Chardonnay from this site expresses finesse and energy, often showing a taut, mineral quality alongside its fruit. The elevation and southeast exposure keep both varieties lively and precise rather than broad or weighty.

• Pinot Noir: fresh, elegant, with fine structure and bright fruit
• Chardonnay: finesse-driven, energetic, with mineral lift
• High elevation and aspect preserve natural acidity in both varieties
• Style leans toward precision and freshness rather than weight

Creux de la Net is a small 3.4-hectare site, so the roster of producers working with it is limited but reflects the serious small-scale domaine culture of Pernand-Vergelesses. Domaine Denis Père and Fils and Domaine Cornu-Camus are well-established names in the appellation. Domaine Etienne Delarche, Domaine Aegerter, and Aurélie Berthod also have a presence in this climat. These producers represent both traditional Burgundian family estates and newer voices bringing attention to Pernand-Vergelesses as a source of undervalued Premier Cru wine.

• Domaine Denis Père and Fils: established Pernand-Vergelesses estate
• Domaine Cornu-Camus: local producer with strong appellation focus
• Domaine Etienne Delarche: notable Pernand-Vergelesses specialist
• Aurélie Berthod: newer producer adding contemporary perspective

Pernand-Vergelesses sits at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune, tucked behind the hill of Corton. The village is best known for its white wines and proximity to Corton-Charlemagne, but it holds a respectable collection of Premier Cru sites for both red and white production. Creux de la Net is one of four Premier Crus in the appellation recognized primarily for red wine. Its position high on the slope and its modest size have kept it relatively under the radar, which in practical terms means quality at prices well below comparable sites in Beaune or Pommard.