Create a New Account get a $5 credit
Toll Free: 800-417-7821

Clairette

Filter 
Clairette

Clairette is an age old grape that originated in the southwestern part of France. Some folks believe that Clairette is made up of more than one grape that was cloned hundreds of years ago. Clairette is a wonderful white grape that is mostly grown in southern France giving wines delicate fruity notes. Clairette is one of the few grapes that are permitted in the production of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. The Rhone Valley, Provence, and Languedoc are the main areas of production for Clairette. There are some appellations that even carry the Clairette name, which is unusual for France. Those names include Clairette de Die, Clairette de Bellegarde, and Clairette de Languedoc. Clairette is also one of three varieties that are permitted for the noble white wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Clairette produces a lively, lemony, fruity flavor as opposed to the Roussanne and Bourboulenc, which provide complexity, longevity, and length. Clairette is also used to produce vermouth as it produces wine that is very high in alcohol and low in acidity. Wines yielded from Clairette are often described as flabby because they can oxidize quite easily. Outside of France, Clairette is also grown in Australia, Sardinia and South Africa for sparkling wines.

Showing 7 to 9 of 9 (2 Pages)
Sort By:
Show:Products per page
Display: List / Grid
Ferme Blanche Cassis Blanc Excellence 2019

Ferme Blanche Cassis Blanc Excellence is made from 50% Marsanne and 50% Clairette.

On the nose, white fruits, citrus zest, hint of vanilla. Velvety well balanced mouth of ripe fruits and minerality.

Pair with trout, Scallop, or better yet lobster would complement this wine perfectly.





Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Le Miocene 2021

Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Le Miocene is made from 60% Clairette, 40% Roussanne

Pale yellow colour with hints of green, aromas of white flowers (may blossom, honeysuckle).
The palate is pleasantly balanced between liveliness and roundness, which brings out characteristics of dried apricot, honey and elderberry. A Châteauneuf du Pape white displaying a great finesse.

Best between 1 and 8 years.

Soil type Coming from the single vineyard named “La Fontaine”, the plot is facing north.It is made of clay-sand and limestone. Thanks to the northern orientation, it is always very well aired. This sector allow the Roussane and Clairette to mature in great conditions without losing freshness, which we believe is key point. Winemaking & ageing Whole-bunch pressing. Vinification in stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation temperature controlled at 15°C.

 

Review:


"The classic white from this estate is the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene Blanc, and it shines in the vintage. Based on 60% Clairette and 40% Roussanne, it has a lighter gold hue as well as textbook aromatics of citrus, pears, and minty herbs. I love its balance, it’s medium-bodied, has the vintage’s fresher style, and outstanding length. It should evolve gracefully, and while the safe bet is to enjoy bottles over the coming 2-4 years, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this evolve for well over a decade."

- Jeb Dunnuck (November 2022), 92 pts





 92 Points
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Le Miocene 2023

Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Le Miocene is made from 60% Clairette, 40% Roussanne

Pale yellow colour with hints of green, aromas of white flowers (may blossom, honeysuckle).
The palate is pleasantly balanced between liveliness and roundness, which brings out characteristics of dried apricot, honey and elderberry. A Châteauneuf du Pape white displaying a great finesse.

Best between 1 and 8 years.

Soil type Coming from the single vineyard named “La Fontaine”, the plot is facing north.It is made of clay-sand and limestone. Thanks to the northern orientation, it is always very well aired. This sector allow the Roussane and Clairette to mature in great conditions without losing freshness, which we believe is key point. Winemaking & ageing Whole-bunch pressing. Vinification in stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation temperature controlled at 15°C.

Review:


"The 2023 Châteauneuf du Pape Le Miocene Blanc is mostly Clairette but includes 40% Roussanne. Its vivid gold hue is followed by a beautiful perfume of stone fruits, grilled peach, minty flowers, and some spicy nuances. It's balanced and medium to full-bodied, with a kiss of background oak and flawless balance. It's a brilliant white from this talented family that readers will love to drink over the coming 4-6 years, if not upwards of a decade."

- Jeb Dunnuck (Importer Highlight: Fran Kysela ; July 2024), 93 pts






 93 Points
Showing 7 to 9 of 9 (2 Pages)
  • back