Clairette

Clairette, a French white grape variety is one of the 13 grapes permitted by the French government for use in red Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines and in white Cotes du Rhone wines.

Looking for this grape led me to La Cave Warehouse where my friend Gabe recommended a 2008 Coteaux-Du-Tricastin from Southern Rhone. The wine is a blend of these grape varieties, Marsanne, Grenache, Bourboulenc and Clairette. It had a delightful aroma of apricots and peaches and was so alive on the palate! A definite keeper~ I served it with cheese ravioli over a bed of sauteed spinach, garlic and topped with grated parmesan cheese. Magnifique!