Sur le Sentier du Clou

Sur le Sentier du Clou sits on the mid-slope of the Saint-Aubin valley at elevations between 300 and 350 meters, on the western side of the valley with an east-facing, southeast-oriented aspect. This placement puts it directly above the well-regarded Les Perrières vineyard. The mid-slope position is highly sought after by vignerons, as it combines good drainage with optimal sun exposure throughout the day, supporting reliable ripening even in Saint-Aubin's cool continental climate.

• Mid-slope position at 300-350 meters elevation
• East and southeast-facing aspect captures morning and afternoon sun
• Located on the west side of the Saint-Aubin valley
• Positioned above Les Perrières Premier Cru

The vineyard's soils are a combination of clay and chalky, calcareous limestone, consistent with the broader Côte de Beaune geology that drives mineral expression in white Burgundy. The limestone richness encourages the characteristic tension and freshness found in Saint-Aubin whites. The continental climate keeps temperatures cool year-round, but the east and southeast orientation means the site benefits from meaningful afternoon sun exposure, aiding grape maturity without sacrificing acidity.

• Clay and chalky calcareous limestone soils
• Continental climate with cool overall temperatures
• Afternoon sun exposure supports ripening
• Limestone content drives mineral character in finished wines

Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown in Sur le Sentier du Clou, though white wine production dominates as it does across Saint-Aubin Premier Cru as a whole. The Chardonnay wines are fresh and mineral, with citrus-driven fruit and a chalky backbone that speaks directly to the limestone soils. Pinot Noir from this site produces structured reds with citrus and mineral notes rather than the richer fruit profiles found lower on the slope or in warmer appellations. The wines represent excellent value relative to neighboring Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.

• White wines show fresh citrus, minerality, and chalk-driven tension
• Reds are structured with citrus and mineral character
• Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are permitted
• Offers Premier Cru quality at a fraction of neighboring appellation prices

The name Sur le Sentier du Clou translates from French as 'on the path of the nail,' a direct reference to the narrow, elongated shape of the vineyard plot itself. This kind of descriptive naming is common across Burgundy's climat system, where the physical character of a site is often embedded in the vineyard's identity. The site received its Premier Cru classification in 1977 alongside the broader codification of Saint-Aubin's premier cru vineyards. It is also referred to simply as Le Sentier du Clou in some producer references.

• Name means 'on the path of the nail' in French
• Refers to the vineyard's narrow, elongated shape
• Classified Premier Cru in 1977
• Alternate name: Le Sentier du Clou

Several respected Saint-Aubin domaines work vines in Sur le Sentier du Clou. Domaine Henri Prudhon & Fils and Domaine Larue are among the most consistent producers of the appellation, with Domaine Sylvain Langoureau and Domaine Antoine Jobard also producing wines that showcase the site's mineral precision. Domaine Derain, Domaine Vincent Bachelet, and Roux Père & Fils round out a producer list that spans traditional and more biodynamically influenced approaches to viticulture in this part of Saint-Aubin.

• Domaine Henri Prudhon & Fils: well-established Saint-Aubin specialist
• Domaine Larue: consistent premier cru-level quality
• Domaine Sylvain Langoureau: known for precise, mineral-focused whites
• Roux Père & Fils: reliable negociant and domaine producer in the appellation