Mediterranean white grape variety used in a wide range of wines
Clairette is authorised in a large number of appellations, from the South of the Rhône Valley to Languedoc Roussillon and Provence. It appreciates hot climates and even poor soils. Alone or in blends, it is used to produce a wide range of different wines: dry white wines, sweet white wines and sparkling wines. It is vinified on its own in the appellations Clairette de Bellegarde, Clairette du Languedoc (Hérault) and of course the famous Clairette de Die (vinified with the traditional method).
Southern Rhône Valley (region of Die), Provence, Languedoc
Clairette de Bellegarde, Bandol, Cassis, Châteuneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône, Palette, Côtes-de-Provence
Clairette du Languedoc
Subtle and discreet nose with fruity accents (green apple, peach, grapefruit and tropical fruits) but also dried fruits. It is a warm wine, not very acidic but remains delicate. To be drunk young because once opened, it oxidizes quickly.
With aromas of peach, apricot and honey, this wine is round and smooth on the palate. Some are classified as Rancio (aged for at least 3 years in casks) and others as liqueur wines (blended with strong alcohol). Rancio has aromas of spices, honey and candied fruits. Dry and full-bodied, sometimes slightly mellow with a pleasant bitterness specific to the grape variety.
Vinified in the traditional style (with a second fermentation in the bottle), the grape variety offers a sparkling wine with aromas of white flowers, yellow fruits and dried fruits. They are sparkling in a soft and light style.
Spring vegetables (asparagus, artichokes, snow peas...), vegetable terrines, lake fish. White meat with cream.
Aperitif, foie gras, poultry, sweet and sour dishes such as Asian cuisine. Desserts: Crème brûlée, white or yellow fruit tarts, gingerbread.
A grape variety suitable for maderised wines
Clairette wines maderise very quickly, which is currently considered a defect, whereas in the past it would have been a sought-after characteristic (production of Vermouth, Madeira, Sherry).
Maderisation, a defect in the wine?
A maderised wine is a wine that generates aromas with a characteristic rancio taste: it is produced under the effect of oxidation, which changes its colour. Following too long an ageing, being kept too long in the cellar, or by accidental contact with air, oxidisation has transformed it.
Result :
- The white wines turn brown noticeably, while the red wines turn tawny, they are said to be "tiled" (due to the colour).
- They lose alcohol and acidity (freshness).
- A cork in poor condition reveals the defect that can be checked in the mouth. This is called oxidised wine, a defect that is not due to the winemaking process but rather to the conditions of bottling and storage.
Not for Clairette du Languedoc
However, like in the past, it can be a desired effect, especially for Clairette du Languedoc. The result is a light golden yellow wine with a high alcohol content evoking the warmth of the South. It can be found in the territory of eleven communes: Aspiran, Adissau, Le Bosc, Cabrières, Ceyras, Fontès, Lieuran, Nizas, Paulhan, Péret, Saint André de Sangonis. Coming from grapes harvested at high maturity, these wines must be 12% proof. Dry and full-bodied, sometimes slightly mellow with a pleasant taste of bitterness specific to the grape variety. Some rarer bottles, have the name of rancio added to the AOC Clairette du Languedoc, these wines have undergone a natural aging of 3 years minimum and are minimum 14% alcohol content. These wines are very much appreciated thanks to and not despite what in other circumstances would be considered a flaw.
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