Clairette
Also known as: Clairette Blanche, Blanquette, Clairette de Die
Clairette
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Medium
- Ripening: Mid to late season
- Vigor: Moderate
- Yield: Moderate
- Acidity: Low
- Character: Neutral to aromatic; oxidation-prone
Overview
Clairette is an ancient southern French grape variety with multiple traditional applications, from the sparkling wines of Clairette de Die to white blends in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to its historic role in vermouth production. The variety produces wines that can be fresh and floral when handled carefully, but its tendency toward oxidation and low acidity make it challenging. Clairette’s versatility in both still and sparkling wine production has maintained its importance in southern France. For enologists, Clairette represents study in managing oxidation-prone, low-acid varieties and traditional sparkling wine methods.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Clairette: From French “clair” (clear)
Reference: The clear/pale color of the wine
Historical Development
- Ancient Mediterranean variety
- Traditional Rhône/Languedoc cultivation
- Historic vermouth component
- Clairette de Die sparkling tradition
- Modern: Declining but persistent
Traditional Uses
Vermouth: Key historical ingredient
Sparkling: Clairette de Die tradition
Blending: Southern Rhône whites
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Moderate vigor
Leaf Shape: Medium
Cluster: Medium; compact
Berry: Medium; round; thin-skinned
Growing Requirements
Climate: Hot Mediterranean
Soil Preference: Limestone; varied
Training: Various southern methods
Challenge: Heat; drought
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Early June |
| Véraison | Early August |
| Harvest | September-October |
Wine Styles
Clairette de Die (Sparkling)
Method: Méthode ancestrale (Tradition)
Character: Semi-sweet; aromatic; fresh
Blend: Often with Muscat
Style: Festive; fruity
Still White Blends
Role: Blending component
Partner: With Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, etc.
Character: Body; neutral
Clairette du Languedoc AOC
Style: Dry to sweet; still
Traditional: Rancio (oxidized) styles
Wine Profile
Fresh Style
Color: Pale straw
Aromas: Light floral, citrus, herbal
Palate: Soft; low acid; neutral
Traditional/Oxidized Style
Color: Deep gold to amber
Character: Nutty; oxidized
Niche: Traditional local market
Regional Expressions
Clairette de Die AOC
Location: Drôme Valley
Style: Sparkling; semi-sweet
Method: Méthode ancestrale
Character: Fresh; Muscat-influenced
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Role: Permitted white variety
Usage: Blending component
Clairette du Languedoc AOC
Region: Hérault
Styles: Dry; moelleux; rancio
Winemaking Considerations
Oxidation Challenge
Issue: Very oxidation-prone
Management: Protective handling essential
Alternatives: Embrace oxidation (traditional)
Low Acidity Management
Challenge: Flat without care
Strategy: Early harvest; cold protection
Blending: With higher-acid varieties
Sparkling Production
Méthode Ancestrale: Trap fermentation CO₂
Character: Light mousse; fruity
Tradition: Ancient method
Food Pairing
Still Wine
Matches: Mediterranean cuisine; seafood
Challenge: Low acid limits pairing
Sparkling
Role: Aperitif; celebration
Temperature: Well-chilled
Key Producers
Clairette de Die
Various Diois producers: Traditional method
Cooperative presence: Significant
Southern Rhône
Various Châteauneuf white producers
Market Position
Production Statistics
France: ~3,000 hectares
Trend: Declining slowly
Primary Use: Blending; sparkling
Pricing
| Style | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Clairette de Die | €8-15 |
| Languedoc | €6-12 |
Market Position
Niche: Regional interest
Challenge: Limited appeal outside region
Comparison with Southern Whites
| Variety | Acidity | Oxidation | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clairette | Low | Prone | Blend/sparkling |
| Grenache Blanc | Low | Prone | Blend |
| Bourboulenc | Higher | Moderate | Blend |
| Roussanne | Medium | Moderate | Blend/varietal |
Historical Significance
Vermouth Connection
Traditional: Key component
Contribution: Neutral base; body
Legacy: Historical importance
Conclusion
Clairette represents an ancient Mediterranean variety with remarkable versatility despite—or perhaps because of—its challenging characteristics. For enologists, Clairette demonstrates the importance of protective winemaking for oxidation-prone varieties and the value of traditional methods like méthode ancestrale. While declining in importance, Clairette maintains relevance through the charming sparkling wines of Die and its role in southern French white blends. The variety’s history in vermouth production reminds us of wine grapes’ wider applications beyond table wine.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026