Clairette

Clairette is a white wine grape variety (Vitis vinifera) native to southern France. It is grown in several Mediterranean wine regions, especially in the Languedoc and Provence, with some plantings in the Rhône Valley. In these areas Clairette is used both as a varietal wine and as a blending component, valued for producing wines with good acidity, light to medium body, and fragrant, citrus- or floral-based aromas. It is commonly found in blends with other southern French white grapes and can contribute freshness and aromatic lift to the cuvée.

A notable expression of Clairette is Clairette de Die, a sparkling wine from the Die region in the Drôme. Clairette de Die is produced by a traditional method and often includes Muscat varieties in its blend, yielding a lightly sparkling, aromatic wine with high acidity.

In modern production, Clairette remains part of the regional heritage of southern French white winemaking, though the region has shifted focus toward other varieties. It is valued for its versatility in warm climates and its capacity to contribute crispness and aroma to both still and sparkling wines.