Clairette

Also known as: Clairette blanche, Malvoisie (historically)

Clairette is one of the old white varieties of the southern Rhône Valley – not spectacular, but enduring. It oxidises readily, which is why it was formerly used for fortified wines. In modern viticulture, it finds its role as a component in white cuvées: it brings structure, sometimes a slightly nutty tone, and tempers the opulence of Grenache blanc.

At La Nerthe and Clos des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clairette is part of the classic white assemblage. In Provence, Château de Pibarnon and Saint Jean Du Barroux demonstrate how the variety achieves fine minerality on poor soils.