Caves Carod Frères
Clairette de Die (Rhone Valley)

The Estate
 In 1973, Alain and Marcel Carod took over the winery that was founded by their grand father. Caves Carod are located in the heart of the appellation. Cave Carod is the second largest of 20 producers of Clairette de Die in the region. The brothers make wine from their own vineyard and act also as wine merchants. Modern equipment combined with traditional winemaking and extensive production control enable them to create quality wines. They produce around 111,111 cases per year, 90% Clairette de Die and 10% Crémant de Die, and 30% of their production is exported.


Marcel Carod

The Vineyards
 The A.O.C. Clairette de Die spreads over 1,300 hectares (3,211 acres) and 32 villages, located on hillsides. The soils are clay and limestone based. These types of soils are difficult to work with but together with the climate, rigorous grape selection and careful cultivation of the vine (an ancestral tradition), can produce very fine wines with individual flavors. The vineyard's altitude (over 700 meters) makes it one of the highest in France. Carod brothers farm 50 hectares of land (123.50 acres).

  
The vineyard


Muscat Grape


Clairette grape

The Wine


\

shelf talker / case card

#F4EE374001MUS
UPC code: 8 33184 00121 7
N.V. Carod, Clairette de Die, Tradition 12/750ml
Made from 75% Muscat Petits Grains and 25% Clairette. Clairette de Die is produced with the ancestral dioise method. 
The grapes are rapidly pressed after the harvest and then placed in vats at low temperatures (replicating the process used by the Voconces in ancient times who kept the jars in the icy waters of their local rivers). The half-fermented must is bottled and fermentation continues in the bottle, giving a naturally sparkling wine. Disgorging occurs at least six months after bottling, while the wine still contains sugar and has reached an alcohol content of 7 to 9 %.
This is a sparkling wine with very fine bubbles, light in alcohol (8°), and containing residual sugar (incomplete fermentation). Clairette de Die has been known since ancient times (dates back to 77 A.D.). Clairette brings delicacy and lightness to the wine whereas Muscat gives its typical sweet flavor. The wine displays intense aromas, a refreshing balance of fruit and acidity with peach, orange and white flowers flavors.
This is an ideal wine for all desserts and ice creams, and is very interesting with foie gras. It is especially suitable for daytime meetings and cocktail parties.  A great breakfast wine!
Wine to be consumed young, to conserve the full fruity and floral flavors.  To be stored flat in a cool room away from light.

National Retail Price: $17.99 / bottle