The authorities of the appellation AOC Bordeaux have formally approved the new wine style 'Bordeaux Claret'. This marks a comeback for the original Bordeaux style. The name originated in the twelfth century. At that time, it referred to light, bright red wines that were shipped to Great Britain and gained great popularity there. They became synonymous with wine from Bordeaux. It was not until the 20th century that the style of Bordeaux changed to the dark, deep red wines we know today. Due to the increasingly warmer climate, the red wine grapes have become riper over the decades, and the alcohol content has continuously increased.

The official reintroduction of Claret, reported by the British daily The Guardian, is a response to changing consumption behavior and climate change. The now approved Claret is meant to be enjoyed young and lightly chilled. Heavy red wines that require long aging have become much less relevant than before. The consequences are sales crises and the clearing of several tens of thousands of hectares of vineyards in the Bordeaux region. The Guardian quotes wine merchant Tony Laithwaite: 'A 50-year boom is over.' One of the reasons for this is also the prices for Bordeaux, which have risen steadily over the past three decades. In contrast, lighter, fruit-forward, and ready-to-drink wines are gaining popularity, especially among young consumers. Claret thus stands in a line of old methods and terms that have been revived in recent years. These include Pétillant Naturel or 'Pet-Nat' for traditionally made sparkling wines, or the use of amphorae for vinification.

The first bottles of Bordeaux Claret will hit the market from the 2025 vintage.

(al; Image: 123rf)

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