The Clairette grape is a traditional, aromatic white grape variety featuring predominantly in the vineyards of the Rhone Valley in Southern France. Its history within the French wine landscape spans centuries, reputedly having been grown in the country since 77 AD. This historic grape contributes largely to the production of various blended wines, including the renowned Blanquette de Limoux.
Presently, Clairette is cultivated in other wine-growing regions globally, including South Africa, Australia, and Israel, but it is undoubtedly most synonymous with French wine. Clairette vineyards cover about 3,200 hectares of land in the Rhone Valley and Provence regions, reflecting its popular use in the creation of traditional, rich, and characterful French white wines.
Clairette wines are characterised by their refreshing acidity and vibrant floral notes. These wines often have distinctive citrus fruit aromas paired with a delicate bitterness on the finish. Depending on its terroir and winemaking methods employed, the flavour profile of Clairette can range from fresh and light-bodied to rich and full-bodied.
Despite its relative susceptibility to high yields and overproduction that could compromise its quality, careful vineyard management and winemaking expertise are usually employed to ensure the resulting Clairette wine is of optimal quality. Clairette does well in hot, dry climates, where it can reach high levels of ripeness and develop deep, complex flavours that make for a truly enjoyable drinking experience.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Clairette as a straight varietal wine. This demonstrates a move to appreciate the grape in its own right, acknowledging the unique characteristics it brings to the table. Its high-quality expression and the resounding charm it imbues in every glass make it clear that the Clairette grape is an underrated gem in the world of viticulture.
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