Clairette

Widely distributed southern French variety producing full-bodied whites that can hang on to their acidity quite impressively. It is a common ingredient in many southern French whites. Clairette du Languedoc has its own somewhat historic appellation. Clairette de Die, the curious sparkling wine in the far eastern Rhône Valley, depends heavily on Muscat for flavour. Clairette is also widely planted in South Africa, where it is generally used for blending. It is also, confusingly, used as a synonym for other varieties, including Ugni Blanc and Bourboulenc.