Clairette de Bellegarde AOC

Clairette de Bellegarde AOC dates from 1949. Clairette de Bellegarde is unusual among the southern Rhône appellations in that the wine is a mono-varietal, made from 100% Clairette grown in the single commune of Bellegarde, halfway between Nîmes and Arles, near the northern edge of the Camargue in the southern Rhône. Bellegarde also lies within the wider Costières de Nîmes AOC (in its southern part). The Clairette from which it is made is a relatively uncommon grape whose history and genetic pedigree have never been fully established. It is described as late-ripening, thin skinned, rot prone, giving a high alcohol–low acid white prone to rapid oxidation suited to near-immediate drinking (Clive Coates MW: 1990, p.369).

History: The origins of Clairette de Bellegarde AOC vineyards date to the ancient Greeks who planted the vines, and to the Romans who played their part in developing them. Much later, local monastic communities – here the Abbey of St Romain – also had a hand in boosting viticulture in this area (the Terre d’Argence). The area is impacted by the presence of a number of inland waterways including the Rhône, the Petit Rhône, a series of streams and brooks, the Canal du Rhône in Sète and the Philippe Lamour canal.

Vineyard area & wine production: 2005 36ha produced 1,704hl (5 private producers and 2 co-ops). | 2010 7ha produced 204hl. | 2011 9ha produced 270hl. | 2012 9ha produced 270hl. | 2013 13ha produced 327hl. | 2014 6ha produced 284 hl. | 2016 8ha produced 287hl (vins-rhone.com).

Terroir: The Clairette de Bellegarde appellation area lies across two terraces – Coste Rouge and Coste Canet – bordering the historic village of Bellegarde, alongside the Canal du Rhône in Sète. Both plateaus comprise a deep layer of Villefranchian rounded pebbles and red clay over Pliocene sand and blue marl. The soils are rich in clay, while the pebbles are mainly flint. 60% lie in the top few metres of soil. Clairette thrives in these conditions, gathering enough strength to withstand the autumn storms.

Climate: The climate in Clairette de Bellegarde is Mediterranean, influenced by the Mistral wind as it exits the Rhône corridor. Its proximity to the Camargue also adds the influence of Mediterranean sea breezes, blowing across the vineyards and protecting the vines and their fruit from the searing heat of summer.

See also: Clairette du Languedoc AOC for another 100% Clairette wine.

Wineries

Certified organic: Clos des Boutes. | Domaine Pastouret. | Terre des Chardons.

No certification: La Clairette co-op.