The Clairette de Die vineyard | Inspiration Vercors

From legend to expertise

Clairette de Die is the oldest sparkling wine, and the secret to its bubbles lies in its natural fermentation! The Voconces, a Gallic people, are said to have left jars of wine in a river for an entire winter, and in the spring, they revealed a delicious, sweet and... sparkling beverage! Today, the "ancestral Dioise method" is still used: after pressing the grapes of two Mediterranean grape varieties, Clairette and Muscat à petits grains, the juices are filtered and cooled. The bottled must ferments solely with the grape sugar, without any additives. These fine, low-alcohol, naturally fruity and sweet bubbles are an easy addition to any celebration.

Strong Values

Clairette de Die is the oldest AOC in the Diois region, now nationally renowned. This distinctive product can be discovered by visiting winemakers' cellars for a tasting of their production. For several years now, it has shared its prestige with three other, lesser-known AOCs: the sparkling and drier Crémant de Die, and the still wines of Châtillon-en-Diois and Coteaux de Die. Organic farming plays an important role here, with many winegrowers committed to producing wines without harsh treatments. These vintages represent the sustainability of a traditional production method and respect for nature.

An Ever-Changing Landscape

Walking through the vineyards year-round ensures you experience the changing atmospheres that follow the seasons and the work. Always on the sunniest slopes, the vineyard is ideal for winter walks when winegrowers are working the soil. In spring, the vines awaken their sparkling green foliage, and workers support their growth. In summer, the sun-drenched grapes trigger the excitement of the harvest from late August to early October, then calm returns to the plots, bathed in autumnal hues.

Immerse yourself in the winegrowing environment by taking in the fresh air in the vineyards near Châtillon-en-Diois. It is here that the small plots are at their highest, brightened by no fewer than 70 small cabins! Modestly constructed, these simple shelters offer surprising construction quality, saved from abandonment by an operation undertaken by the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

Find the route at vercors-rando.