The history of Claret
There are a few words that connotate a red blend. Some of these words are a regional name. They can only be used when the grapes are from that particular appellation, following the established norms of wine labeling. Some of these words are Bordeaux, Cotes du Rhone, Rioja, and Chianti. Of course a wine from one of these regions can be made from a single variety too. Often, the wine is a majority of one main variety and a splash of a couple other reds.
Meritage and Claret are some generic names used for blended red wines.
Meritage is a relatively recent name and mimics the Bordeaux recipe.
A Meritage is supposed to be the flagship red blend of a wine producer in California. It is a trademark and in order to use the term on a label the producer must be a member of Meritage organization, although a few squeak by without ponying up the dues.
When the name Claret is used on a bottle of wine in the United Kingdom it has very specific meaning. It is a name for Bordeaux, even though Bordeaux has it own labeling conventions. The word Claret has evolved from the word clairet, which was used to label red wine from Bordeaux for hundreds of years. The name clairet means "pale" in French, a style of vinification producing a dark rose wine. The English controlled Bordeaux from 1189 to 1453 and exported the bulk of Bordeaux's production back to the British Isles as clairet. Although it was hundreds of years ago, the name Claret is still synonymous in the UK for Bordeaux.
In the United States there is no legislation governing the use of the name Claret. Those who use Claret to label their red wine usually base their recipe on the permitted red grape varieties of Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and malbec. Since there are no rules about the use of this name, winemakers are free to add whatever else they think will improve the blend.
The expectation of a Claret is that it is a Bordeaux styled wine, with a large portion of the blend being cabernet sauvignon or merlot. These red wines are very special and often the blend is better than the sum of all its parts. These domestic compilations are generally a little more fruit forward than real Bordeaux. For many of us, this new world version of Bordeaux is a very desirable. It marries our love of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with the artistic talents of the winemaker.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ironstone Value Wines
ALL priced at $9.99 -
Sauvignon Blanc, Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvingon.
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Littleton, Colorado.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
or Eagle Bend, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
coupon
These days it is important to get a lot of value out of your dollar.
The staff at Libations is always looking for items that stretch your buying powers.
We offer you samples of four great values for the money this Wednesday.