Clairette Blanche is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in the Rhône wine region of France. It is also found in South Africa, Australia, and several other wine-producing regions globally.
Clairette Blanche is commonly used to make still white wines, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. The wine produced from this grape typically has a high alcohol content and low acidity. It often showcases floral and citrus fruit flavors, with notes of apple, pear, honeysuckle, and almond.
The grapes are often blended with other varieties to increase the wine's acidity. In the Rhône region, it is one of the thirteen grape varieties permitted in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Clairette Blanche is also used in making the vermouth-like wine called Clairette de Die.
The appearance of Clairette Blanche grapes is medium to large in size with a thick skin that makes them resistant to a variety of vine diseases. They typically ripen early in the season and due to their high sugar content, they are capable of yielding wines with a high alcohol degree.
