The Clairette
Grape
A white grape variety primarily found in the Rhône Valley and Languedoc regions of France. It is used in the production of still white wines, sparkling wines, and as a component in the blend for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Clairette wines are known for their floral and citrus aromas, with a full body and low acidity.
Clairette
Grape History
Clairette is a white wine grape variety that has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. It is believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties in France, with references to it found in writings as far back as the 16th century. The exact origins of Clairette are somewhat debated, as some believe it originated in the Rhône Valley region of France while others suggest it may have originated in Spain or Italy before making its way to France.
One of the most interesting facts about Clairette is its versatility. This grape is used to produce a wide range of wine styles including dry white wines, sparkling wines, and sweet fortified wines. In particular, Clairette is known for its high acidity and floral aromas, which make it a popular choice for blending in sparkling wines such as Champagne and other sparkling wine regions in France.
Clairette is primarily grown in the Rhône Valley region of France, where it is one of the key grape varieties used in the production of white wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc and Côtes du Rhône Blanc. It is also grown in other parts of France, including Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon, as well as in countries such as Italy, Spain, and Australia.
In addition to its use in still and sparkling wines, Clairette is also used to produce sweet wines such as Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel. The grape's high sugar content and aromatic characteristics make it well-suited for dessert wines.
As for the projected future of Clairette, there is growing interest in this grape variety due to its ability to retain acidity even in hotter climates. This makes it a valuable asset in regions experiencing the effects of climate change, where acidity levels in grapes are declining due to rising temperatures. Additionally, the unique characteristics of Clairette make it a desirable blending grape for winemakers looking to add complexity and freshness to their wines.
Overall, Clairette is a fascinating grape variety with a rich history and exciting potential for the future. Its versatility, distinct characteristics, and ability to thrive in various winemaking regions make it a valuable asset in the world of wine production.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel