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A white wine, quite confidential.

A small handful of winegrowers continue to grow this relatively unsung but highly expressive varietal. The Clairette de Bellegarde vineyards lie at the gateway to the Camargue, halfway between Arles and Nîmes. The area clearly identifies with its Camargue neighbours – both are enthusiastic about bull-running – but in Bellegarde, they combine it with the calmness of Provence.

Clairette de Bellegarde is unusual among the southern Rhône appellations in that it makes its wine from one varietal only, Clairette.

This is a relatively uncommon grape whose history and genetic pedigree have never been fully established. To enjoy a glass of Clairette de Bellegarde is to open the door to a tiny, secret vineyard at the heart of Terre d’Argence, and finding a unique, exceptional wine.

Clairette de Bellegarde

History

1949
1949

Birth of AOC Clairette de Bellegarde

The history of the Clairette de Bellegarde AOC vineyards dates back 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 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.

Clairette de Bellegarde was awarded AOC status in 1949. Its wines are made by 7 winegrowers only, in a cooperative winery and in private cellars.

View the decrees granting appellation status (INAO)
Geography

Territory

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 pebbles and red clay over Pliocene sand and blue marl.

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.

Soils

A particular geology

The terroir is made up largely of rounded pebbles. 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.

Key figures

Key figures of the appellation

100% white

Colors

47 hl/ha

Average annual yield

6 ha

Production surface area

262 hl

Total production

7%

Exportation

Découvrez le vignoble en chiffres

Discover key figures

Inter Rhône - Key Figures 2021

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