Bordeaux wine producers are shaking off the traditional oak-aged reds and embracing an older style: claret, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. The Bordeaux protected designation of origin has officially recognized this variety, linking it to the existing Bordeaux appellation. However, these new bottles will differ from what many Brits consider claret - they're lighter, less tannic, and lower in alcohol.
The shift towards claret is a response to climate change's impact on the region. Warmer conditions have been allowing grapes to ripen more consistently, but this has also led to concerns about rising alcohol levels. To address this, producers are opting for shorter macerations and focusing on freshness over power. According to Stéphanie Sinoquet, managing director of the Bordeaux growers' association, this new approach will enable them to produce balanced and elegant wines even in warmer vintages.
The trend towards lighter, fruitier reds is not unique to claret. Warmer weather has led to a decline in red wine consumption globally, with consumers seeking out chillable bottles that are perceived as more relaxed and inclusive. Claret is designed to be consumed at 8-12C, making it perfect for everyday drinking.
However, the new classification of claret may confuse some drinkers. The term "claret" has historically been associated with a specific style of red wine from Bordeaux, which has become increasingly full-bodied over the years. The fact that these new wines are lighter and less tannic may surprise those who expect them to be similar.
While some producers have turned away from traditional styles, others see this shift as an opportunity. Sommelier Jonathan Kleeman believes that claret's return could bring back a sense of authenticity to Bordeaux wine production. "It actually harks back to the old days," he said. "Bordeaux didn't used to be the big wines they are today."
The question remains, however, whether claret will gain widespread acceptance in its new form. Tom Claxton, a sommelier, doubts that it will appeal to fans of Burgundy's Pinot Noir reds, which are known for their lighter body and more playful style. "I think the similarities will be a lighter body," he said, "but I'd expect these to be more playful or 'fun' wines."
The shift towards claret is a response to climate change's impact on the region. Warmer conditions have been allowing grapes to ripen more consistently, but this has also led to concerns about rising alcohol levels. To address this, producers are opting for shorter macerations and focusing on freshness over power. According to Stéphanie Sinoquet, managing director of the Bordeaux growers' association, this new approach will enable them to produce balanced and elegant wines even in warmer vintages.
The trend towards lighter, fruitier reds is not unique to claret. Warmer weather has led to a decline in red wine consumption globally, with consumers seeking out chillable bottles that are perceived as more relaxed and inclusive. Claret is designed to be consumed at 8-12C, making it perfect for everyday drinking.
However, the new classification of claret may confuse some drinkers. The term "claret" has historically been associated with a specific style of red wine from Bordeaux, which has become increasingly full-bodied over the years. The fact that these new wines are lighter and less tannic may surprise those who expect them to be similar.
While some producers have turned away from traditional styles, others see this shift as an opportunity. Sommelier Jonathan Kleeman believes that claret's return could bring back a sense of authenticity to Bordeaux wine production. "It actually harks back to the old days," he said. "Bordeaux didn't used to be the big wines they are today."
The question remains, however, whether claret will gain widespread acceptance in its new form. Tom Claxton, a sommelier, doubts that it will appeal to fans of Burgundy's Pinot Noir reds, which are known for their lighter body and more playful style. "I think the similarities will be a lighter body," he said, "but I'd expect these to be more playful or 'fun' wines."
. So they're ditching the traditional oak-aged reds for claret now? I've tried some of those before and they were always a bit too oaky for my taste, you know? Anyway, it's cool that producers are trying to adapt to climate change and make wines that are more balanced and fresh-tasting. Less tannin is definitely a good thing if you ask me 
. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole new classification thing tho...like, isn't claret just another name for what used to be called Bordeaux? Confusing stuff. But hey, it's all about trying new things and finding what works, right? Maybe these lighter clarets will become a new fave among wine drinkers 
, but are we really gonna have to start drinking our reds at 8-12C? like, what's next? drinking rosé in the snow 
? anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this whole claret thing plays out...some people might actually appreciate a lighter style of wine, while others will just be like "what happened to my full-bodied Bordeaux?" 
we tried all sorts of clarets and i was OBSESSED with this one varietal 
it was like drinking a big ol' hug in a glass lol anyway back to the news - i think its so cool that bordeaux is shaking off the traditional style and going for something fresher & more balanced 
especially since climate change has been throwing everything out of whack 
but at the same time idk if itll appeal to the pinot noir fans like tom claxton mentioned 
anyway cant wait to try more clarets and see how they hold up 
the fact that these new clarets are perfect for everyday drinking is totally on point 
... but i'm curious to see how non-claret fans (like those Pinot Noir lovers) will react to this change of pace 
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the reason they're doing this is because of climate change - warmer temps have been making grapes ripen more consistently, but also causing alcohol levels to rise. so instead of using shorter macerations, producers are focusing on freshness and less power.
. it's not just bordeaux doing this though - warmer weather has led to a decline in red wine consumption globally, so consumers are looking for chillable bottles that are more relaxed and inclusive.
. The Bordeaux producers are finally shaking off their oak-aged roots and embracing the light side, which is about time! These new claret wines are perfect for everyday drinking and won't make your head spin like those full-bodied old-school reds 
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its like a breath of fresh air for wine lovers who want something more approachable. and can we talk about how great it is that Bordeaux is adapting to climate change? it's like they're embracing sustainability and still producing amazing wines 
...like tom claxton says it might b more 'playful' or 'fun' wines, which is cool, but will fans of pinot noir wine be down w/ that? 
it's so cool that they're embracing an older style like claret! I've been feeling like the whole red wine scene is getting a bit too serious and full-bodied lately, you know? and yeah, climate change is having a huge impact on grape ripening and stuff. but by focusing on freshness over power, these producers are creating wines that are actually super refreshing 
. I totally get why consumers would want chillable bottles that feel more relaxed and inclusive 
. But at the same time, it's gonna be interesting to see if people who are used to full-bodied Bordeaux will even notice or care about the difference 
. I can imagine how refreshing it'll be to try wines that don't feel like they're trying too hard to be something they're not 
. And yeah, maybe some people will be skeptical or prefer the more traditional style, but hey, who knows? Maybe claret's the new Pinot Noir and everyone'll be sipping on it in no time 
gotta try it out! seems like producers are trying to adapt to climate change & rising alcohol levels 
but will it appeal to fans of Pinot Noir? 
i mean, we're talking about a 12th century tradition here. it's not just about making wines that are lighter and more approachable for everyday drinking (although, let's be real, who doesn't love a good chillable bottle?). it's about respecting the history and heritage of bordeaux wine production.
anyway so i was thinking about this new claret thing and idk how im feeling about it tbh. on one hand, its cool that they're trying to adapt to climate change and make wines thats not too full-bodied cuz lets be real who wants a wine that feels like a punch in the face? but on the other hand, i feel like its gonna confuse some ppl who are used to the traditional style of claret. idk if im just too nostalgic for the old days or what tho