Clairet is neither a rosé nor a red wine, it is a unique wine from the Bordeaux region.
History of Clairet :
The history of Clairet is rooted in the Hundred Years’ War, when the English conquered Bordeaux and thought that the wines of the region were better. As a result, they brought these wines back to England by boat during their fermentation. The English called it “The French Claret” because of its very light colour.
Vinification of Clairet :
The Clairet uses only red grapes, at Château du Garde you will find Merlot as well as Cabernet. We harvest the grapes very early in the morning to preserve their fruitiness and freshness on a clay-silt soil.
Therefore, the vinification is carried out by pellicular maceration in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, in order to favour the extraction of the aromas, the duration varies according to the definition of extraction of the aromas. Fermentation takes place between 16°C and 18°C. Clairet is then obtained by saignée de cuve, i.e. taking juice before fermentation in order to obtain Clairet.
Consumption of Clairet :
Clairet is a wine to be enjoyed when spring begins to arrive until the arrival of autumn. On the terrace, with family or friends, it can be drunk on its own as an aperitif or can be enjoyed with food throughout a meal. As well we recommend it with a starter such as a salad to match its freshness or a dessert such as a chocolate cake to counterbalance the bitterness and sugar of the chocolate. It is a fresh and fruity wine, its mouth is round and elegant. It should be drunk between 8°C and 10°C.
So do not hesitate to come and taste the one from our property which you will find in the section “Our Wines” or come to visit us at Château du Garde.
