Claret Wine: What’s it like?

British wine enthusiasts still love the term Claret. This is everything you need about Claret wines.

What is Claret different from Bordeaux Wine?

It’s a very small difference. Bordeaux wine can be described as all wines (red, pink and white) made in the Bordeaux wine region. Claret, however, is the British name for red Bordeaux wine.

What is Claret Wine Labeled for?

Claret, although it is an unofficial name for wine, is protected by EU law. The UK government has recognized Claret as a traditional wine term. However, the 2006 US-EU Wine Agreement forbids US winemakers from using “Claret” on their labels.

Which Grape Varieties are Used in Claret Wines?

Claret wines are made from the major red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

How to serve Claret Wine?

After decanting for fifteen to twenty minutes, serve Claret wines at 16-18° Celsius.

What are the best food combinations with Claret Wines?

Claret wines go well alongside beef, pork, roasted chickens, game, mushrooms and pasta.

What is Claret different from Clairet?

Clairet is a type of rose wine made from France, which is still produced in small quantities. Claret is the generic name for all red wines from Bordeaux.

10 Outstanding Claret Wines to Purchase in 2021 (Including Prices, Tasting Notes and Tasting Notes)

Here are our favorite Claret Wine labels:

• 2015 Chateau Margaux ($2,424)
• 2002 Harlan Estate ($1,544)
• 1979 Opus One ($1,305)
• 2017 Realm Cellars the Absurd Proprietary Rouge ($1,090).
• 2015 Chateau Ausone ($1,028)
• 1991 Joseph Phelps Vineyards symbol ($553)
• 2013 Dominus Estate Christian Moueix ($499)
• 2014 Verite La Joie ($426)
• 2019 Duckhorn Vineyards the Discussion Red ($157).
• 1996 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret ($65).

1. 2015 Chateau Margaux ($2,424)

This dark red Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine with a cherry blossom and lilac aroma underscored by dark fruit notes and smooth tannins.

1. 2002 Harlan Estate ($1,544)

The exquisite 2002 vintage from the Harlan Estate winery presents an aromatic nose of dark berries and French oak with intense chocolate and blackberry notes.

1. 1979 Opus One (1,305)

Here we have a robust Claret wine suffused with pine, menthol, and herb aromas. The delightful palate has smooth tannins and plum, cherry, and licorice flavor notes.

1. 2017 Realm Cellars the Absurd Proprietary Rouge ($1,090).

This is a full-bodied French red wine characterized by exceptional depth and a subtle vanilla aroma. The flavor profile consists of rich espresso, dark fruit, and spice notes with a silky tannin mouthfeel.

1. 2015 Chateau Ausone ($1,028)

Here’s a refined ruby red wine offering an intense floral bouquet with cherry, black plums, and licorice flavors. It boasts firm tannin levels and balanced acidity.

1. 1991 Joseph Phelps Vineyards symbol ($553)

Here we have a beautiful wine from Joseph Phelps’ Napa Valley and Sonoma County vineyards. This great wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blend and has an intense dark fruit palate.

1. 2013 Dominus Estate Christian Moueix ($499)

This beautiful red Bordeaux wine opens with remarkable blueberry, juniper, and boysenberry aromas and offers delicious dark fruit, vanilla, and cherry flavors.

1. 2014 Verite La Joie ($426) 

Here we have a complex Cabernet Sauvignon blend that presents a bouquet of black truffle, cassis, and currant aromas balanced by blackberry, plum, and baking spice notes.

1. 2019 Duckhorn Vineyards, The Discussion Red ($157).

The full-bodied Duckhorn vineyard wine has an aromatic nose of blueberry, fig, and cinnamon. This fine wine offers silky tannins and an intense palate with dark fruit, pomegranate, and raspberry hints.

1. 1996 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret (65$)

Here’s Francis Ford Coppola’s great wine infused with oaky and smoky aromas underscored by exquisite strawberry, cranberry, and dark fruit flavors.