What is a Clarete wine? Tradition, freshness, and origin

clarete wine · difference between rosé and clarete · how clarete is made · traditional Spanish wines

In the world of wine, where nuances are everything, clarete is a singular gem. It's not exactly a red, nor a rosé. It is a wine with history, deeply rooted in the winemaking tradition of many areas of Spain, especially in Castilla and La Rioja. At Bouquet Xaló, we champion it for what it is: a unique, honest, fresh, and delicious style.

Origin of Clarete

The term "clarete" comes from the Latin clarus, meaning clear. In the Middle Ages, this word was used in Europe to refer to lighter-colored wines, especially those from Bordeaux. Over time, in Spain, clarete acquired its own identity, particularly in regions like Cigales, Navarra, and Ribera del Duero.

For decades, it was the everyday wine in villages. It was made for self-consumption, using the grape varieties available in the vineyard, simply but carefully. Today, some winemakers have lovingly returned to this style, recovering its authenticity.

How is Clarete wine made?

The main difference between a clarete wine and a rosé lies in the production method:

• For rosé, red grapes are gently pressed and left to macerate with their skins for a few hours, then fermented without them.
• For clarete, red and white grapes are mixed before fermenting together. That is, the must is fermented with the skins of both red and white grapes, resulting in a wine that is more structured than a rosé, but lighter than a red.

The result is a wine with a paler color than a young red, with fruity aromas, good acidity, and a lively texture, often with a very attractive rustic character.

Characteristics of Clarete wine

• Color: from pale pink to light red, with brilliant hues.
• Aroma: fresh red fruit, floral notes, dry grass.
• Palate: fresh, medium-bodied, agile on the palate, and with a certain vivacity.
• Alcohol: usually around 12 to 13% vol.
• Style: easy-drinking, gastronomic, and very versatile.

It is an ideal wine to accompany Mediterranean cuisine, cold cuts, rice dishes, tapas, cold dishes, and summer days. It is also perfect as an aperitif wine or for outdoor enjoyment.

Claretes at Bouquet Xaló

In our selection, we cherish this traditional style that many small winemakers are passionately reviving. Some claretes are made naturally, unfiltered, with minimal intervention, respecting the character of the mixed vineyard.

Each bottle of clarete at Bouquet Xaló reflects the spirit of the countryside, of wine-producing villages, of shared harvests, and of wine as a celebration of the everyday.

Clarete: neither red nor rosé. A wine with its own soul.

Clarete doesn't need modern labels to shine. It is part of our history, a humble but characterful wine that is once again finding its place on tables and in the hearts of those who appreciate authenticity. At Bouquet Xaló, we celebrate it, defend it, and share it with pride.