AOC/AOP Clairette du Languedoc

Appellation area

The area is characterised by terraces overlooking the river Herault about 30 km from the sea, and covering eight communities.

Geology

There are several types of earth basically composed of quartz, flint and limestone stones agglomerated by a clayey-sandy soil. This type of soil from the quartzy period is called the Villafranchienne terraces. There is some schiste to the north.

Climate

Mediterranean climate attenuated by the first buttresses of the Cevennes.

Grapes

Clairette 100 %

Vinification

The grapes are hand-picked, completely stripped, light maceration with draining, fermentation at a controlled temperature.

Key figures

100 ha of vineyards
7 cooperative wine producers
11 private wine producers

Average yield

45 hl/hectare

Production

2 500 hl
100% white

Sales

2 500 hl (storehouse outputs 2005/06)
General Distribution : 50%