Clairette

Grape variety	Clairette
Synonyms	Blanquette, Blanquette De Limoux, Clairette d'Aspiran, Clairette De Limoux, Clairette Pointue, Clairette verte, Feher Clairette, Petite Clairette, Seidentraube, Vivsyanka
Grape colour	White grape
History	Clairette is a white grape variety that originates from the southern regions of France. It's one of the oldest grape varieties in the region, with references dating back to the 16th century. The grape is particularly associated with the Rhône wine region and is a key component in several Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) wines such as Clairette de Bellegarde and Clairette de Die. Despite its French origins, the grape variety has also found success in regions of South Africa and Australia.
Ampelographic features	Clairette is a high-yielding grape variety that thrives in warm, dry climates. It has small to medium-sized bunches of large, oval grapes. The berries have a thick skin that helps them withstand the heat. Its leaves are five-lobed with a slightly open petiolar sinus. The Clairette vine tends to bud early, making it susceptible to spring frosts, and it also ripens early, often resulting in high alcohol content in the wines it produces.
Characteristics of the wine	Wines produced from the Clairette grape variety are often high in alcohol content and low in acidity. They exhibit flavors and aromas of green apples, white peaches, and fresh almonds, with floral hints of honeysuckle and jasmine. In its youth, Clairette wine is crisp and fresh with a light body, but with age, it develops complex nutty and honeyed characteristics. Its low acidity makes it a popular blending grape, adding body and alcohol content to the blend.