AOC 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%