Located in the South-West quarter of France, the Bordeaux vineyard is known for its great wines. Among the many appellations it has, we find the AOC Bordeaux Clairet. Between rosé and light red, Bordeaux Clairet comes from a longer maceration than a rosé, which gives it its deep colour and red fruit aromas. Blended from Merlot and the Cabernets, it is best enjoyed young and cool, and is delivered from the grower's cellar.

Filtrer

Price

€0.00 - €20.00

Type

Color

Région Viticole

Vintage

Viticulture method

Food and wine

Medal awards

Variety

Alcohol content

Storage

Volume

Appellation

Winemaker's name

Labels

No choice available on this group

Back to top

AOC Bordeaux Clairet: the Pale Wine That Named the English Claret

History of the AOC Bordeaux Clairet appellation

The AOC Bordeaux Clairet holds a special place in France's winemaking history. Indeed, the name "Clairet" recalls the "clear" or "pale" wines that were once exported to England during the Middle Ages. These wines, ancestors of today's reds, were so popular that they gave their name to what we now call "claret" in English, synonymous with Bordeaux wines. Thanks to a longer maceration than for a typical rosé wine, it extracts more color, structure, and pronounced aromas.

Climate and terroir of the AOC Bordeaux Clairet appellation

  • Climate: Enjoying a temperate oceanic climate, the AOC Bordeaux Clairet benefits from warm summers and mild winters, ensuring optimal grape ripening.
  • Soils: The appellation extends over diverse soils, from gravel to clay and limestone, offering an ideal base to produce these rosé wines that are both fresh and structured.

The essential grape varieties of the AOC Bordeaux Clairet appellation

Clairet is a dark rosé wine made from the main red grape varieties of Bordeaux, such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. As with the rest of the Bordeaux regional appellation, other auxiliary red grape varieties such as Malbec, Carmenere, or Petit Verdot are also allowed.

Style of AOC Bordeaux Clairet wines

  • Appearance: Intense pink color, flirting with raspberry or salmon hues.
  • Nose: Clairet offers a generous bouquet of fresh red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant), flowers, and grenadine.
  • Palate: Midway between a rosé wine and a light red wine, Clairet seduces with its freshness, vivacity, and persistent fruity notes. The tannins are light and supple, providing a nice texture on the palate.

Serving temperature: 10° to 12°C

Aging potential: Best consumed young, within 1 to 2 years to enjoy its characteristic freshness.

The best food and wine pairings with AOC Bordeaux Clairet

Clairet is remarkably versatile at the table, suitable for a variety of summer dishes. Here are our recommendations for the best food and wine pairings with a rosé wine from a domain or chateau in the AOC Bordeaux Clairet:

  • Appetizers: Aperitif, summer salads, charcuterie, antipasti.
  • Main courses: Grilled dishes, chicken skewers, stuffed tomatoes.
  • Desserts: Citrus sorbets and fruit salad.

Frequently asked questions about Bordeaux Clairet

Is Bordeaux Clairet a rosé or a red?

Bordeaux Clairet is a dark rosé, halfway between rosé and light red. It comes from a longer maceration than a rosé, which gives it a deeper colour, more structure and pronounced red fruit aromas.

What to serve with Bordeaux Clairet?

Bordeaux Clairet works from aperitif to main course: summer salads, charcuterie, antipasti, then grilled dishes, chicken skewers or stuffed tomatoes. Its freshness even suits a citrus sorbet or a fruit salad.

At what temperature should you serve Bordeaux Clairet?

Bordeaux Clairet is served cool, between 10 and 12 °C, slightly less cold than a light rosé, to let its red fruit and structure show.

Does Bordeaux Clairet keep?

Bordeaux Clairet is drunk young, within one to two years, to enjoy its characteristic freshness. Low in tannin, it is not made for long ageing.

Where does the name « clairet » come from?

The name Clairet recalls the pale « clear » Bordeaux wines exported to England in the Middle Ages. They were so popular that they gave their name to « claret », the English word still used for Bordeaux wines.

Where can you buy Bordeaux Clairet direct from the grower?

On Avenue des Vins, you buy your Bordeaux Clairet direct from the grower. Every bottle is shipped by the château or Gironde estate that made it, with no middleman, and delivered to your door.

Explore also: AOC Bordeaux Rosé - AOC Bordeaux - Light and fruity red wines