The Wine Reference🍷 SupportClairette grape
Clairette is a white grape known for apple, herbs, floral. Its best-known homes are Rhône, Languedoc.
Origin and history
An old grape of southern France, grown in Provence and the Languedoc for centuries.
Where it grows
Southern Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clairette de Die), Languedoc (Clairette du Languedoc), Provence, and South Africa.
Structure
Medium to full body, low acidity and often high alcohol; dry or gently sparkling, and prone to oxidation.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: apple, fennel, white flowers and dried herbs. With age: honey, nuts and oxidative, sherry-like notes.
Ageing
Usually best within 1–3 years; fine Châteauneuf blanc with Clairette can age 8–10 years.
Also known as
Clairette Blanche.
Good to know
Clairette de Die in the Drôme makes a sparkling wine, often blended with Muscat by the ancestral method, finishing fermentation in bottle.
Clairette wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, Clairette
Rich Rhône white: stone fruit, honeysuckle and almond.
Food: Roast chicken, bouillabaisse
Château d'Aqueria Tavel
Rhône Valley · Tavel · Garnacha / Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette
Deep, structured rosé with redcurrant, strawberry and spice; a rosé for the table.
Food: Bouillabaisse, grilled lamb, paella
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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