Clairette Blanc is one of the oldest grape varieties in southern France and probably comes from Hérault. It is believed that it was planted in Midi before 1490, but this is not documented. It was first mentioned in a document in 1575. Clairette means something like "light wine", which is only partially true. Under no circumstances should you confuse the name of the grape variety with the English word "Clairet". On the British Isles, this expression is used for the red wines from Bordeaux because they were much lighter more than 100 years ago than they are today. Clairette has a very close relationship to the Plant Droit grape variety. The variety is robust and vigorous and requires a short training period. Since it is made of hard wood and can withstand even strong winds, a wire frame is not absolutely necessary. Many vines are therefore still grown as bush wines. The Clairette ripens very late and therefore requires a climate with warm autumns. The variety is susceptible to infestation by mites and grape moths, but is very resistant to rot and powdery mildew. Its most important growing area in France is the region around Die, where it is used both as a still wine and primarily as a sparkling wine in the famous Clairette de Die. This is available on the one hand as a crémant and on the other hand, produced using a traditional method, the méthode ancestrale, as a very special foaming specialty. Still wines usually cannot keep up with the quality of sparkling wines. On the Rhone, especially in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Clairette is part of the cuvée of the voluminous and rich white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Otherwise it is widespread in southern France and finds its way into various cuvées. There are small plantings in Italy, Russia and Australia.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Bou Afrara, Clairette, Bon Afrara, Blanc Laffite, Branquete, Cairette d'Aspiran, Clairette Verte, Colle Musquette, Cibade, Clairette de Limoux, Fehér Clairette, Kleret, Kleret Belyi, Cotticour, Granolata, Gaillard Blanc, Petit Kleret, Ovsyanka, Clairette de Trans, Clairette Pointue, Muscade, Ondenic, Klaret Bijela, Petite Clairette, Osianka, Pti blan d’Obena, Petit Blanc, Uva Gijona, Poupe de Gate, Vivsyanka
