Clairette de Die AOC

Clairette de Die AOC

Clairette de Die AOC

Wine region
Country	France
Grapes produced	Clairette, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Clairette de Die AOC is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is known for producing sparkling wines made primarily from the Clairette and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape varieties.

History

The history of Clairette de Die AOC dates back to ancient times, with evidence of vine cultivation in the region as early as the Roman era. The sparkling wine production in the area began in the 18th century when the méthode ancestrale, a traditional method of sparkling wine production, was developed.

Geography and Climate

Clairette de Die AOC is situated in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. The vineyards are located in the foothills of the Vercors Massif, benefiting from a unique microclimate. The region experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, which is ideal for grape cultivation.

The soil composition in Clairette de Die AOC varies, with a mix of limestone, clay, and alluvial deposits. This diverse soil profile contributes to the complexity and character of the wines produced in the region.

Grape Varieties

The primary grape varieties used in the production of Clairette de Die AOC wines are Clairette and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. Clairette is a white grape variety known for its high acidity and floral aromas. Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, also known as Muscat de Frontignan, is a fragrant grape variety with notes of citrus and flowers.

Wine Production

The sparkling wines of Clairette de Die AOC are produced using the méthode ancestrale, also known as the méthode dioise. This traditional method involves a single fermentation in the bottle, resulting in a naturally sparkling wine with a lower alcohol content compared to other sparkling wines.

The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a gentle pressing to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve the delicate aromas and flavors. After fermentation, the wine is bottled with a small amount of residual sugar and yeast, which triggers a second fermentation in the bottle, creating the characteristic bubbles.

Notable Producers

Some notable producers of Clairette de Die AOC include:

• Domaine Achard-Vincent
• Domaine Jaillance
• Domaine de Durban
• Domaine de Montine

See Also

• French Wine
• Sparkling Wine
• Rhône-Alpes