Definition: Clairette

A white or rosé grape variety grown in France and California. In a Mediterranean climate, this variety produces wines with a fairly high alcohol content, often made from overripe grapes. In Bandol, Cassis, Palette and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clairette is blended with other grape varieties to produce white or red wines. Clairette de Die is made from Clairette and Muscat grapes. It is a sparkling, golden wine that is mellow or sweet and very fruity.