AOC CLAIRETTE DU LANGUEDOC

APPELLATION AREA
The area is characterized 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. 
GRAPE
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%

Source CIVL