The term, 'Claret' is derived from the French word ‘Clair’, which translates to ‘clear’. So we are talking about a light colored, pale wine. 500 years ago, when the British started to settle in Bordeaux for the wine trade, the wines were of a much lighter color, when wines were not extracted as much and as dark in color as wine nowadays.
The term ‘Claret’ was first used in the 15th Century, and is now still used to describe a ‘light and fruity, easy to drink’ red wine. However, the original term of ‘Clairet’ is also used in Bordeaux, but for Rose wines made from the traditional red grapes.
Now, the term ‘Claret’ is sometimes used worldwide; it is used to describe a light and fresh red wine, made from the classic Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenère). These would be fairly cheap, while on the other side of the spectrum, premium reds made from these same blends can be called ‘Meritage’
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