What is Claret?

Discover the fascinating history of claret—from its medieval origins as a pale Bordeaux export to its modern identity as the benchmark for balanced, age-worthy red wines.

Highlights:

• Learn what claret really means and how it evolved from medieval Bordeaux’s pale reds to today’s classic Bordeaux-style red blends.
• Explore why wines described as claret-style—from Rioja reds to California Cabernet—capture balance, structure, and timeless elegance when you order wine online.
• Discover top Bordeaux and claret-style wines from the best wine store USA  and enjoy with food pairings that highlight their versatility and depth.

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In giving 93 points to the Green & Red Tip Top Vineyard Zinfandel, Wine Spectator stated: “A rare claret-style Zinfandel, well-sculpted yet plump and briary, with cherry and raspberry flavors.” And Wine Advocate says that the 2016 La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Rioja Gran Reserva represents “the classical Haro style of Rioja Claret.” Then there’s the Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret, a great value wine from California.

But what, exactly, is claret? What does this term mean and where does it come from?

Today, “claret” typically refers to red Bordeaux—or any red wine made in that classic Bordeaux style. The term evokes wines that are elegant rather than heavy, emphasizing balance, freshness, and refined tannins. But its origins reach deep into history, linking England’s long love affair with the wines of southwestern France.

A Medieval Love Story Between England and Bordeaux

The word “claret” derives from the French clairet, meaning “clear” or “light-colored.” In the 12th and 13th centuries, wines exported from Bordeaux to England were pale red, somewhere between rosé and light red in color.

These early vinum clarum or clairet wines were the everyday table wines of the medieval English court, prized for their freshness and lively fruit.

The connection began when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. Her vast inheritance included the duchy of Aquitaine, encompassing Bordeaux. This dynastic marriage effectively made Bordeaux part of the English realm, and England soon became the region’s biggest export market. For nearly three centuries, ships laden with Bordeaux wine sailed to English ports, their barrels marked for lords, merchants, and royal banquets alike.

From Pale Red to Deep Garnet

After the Hundred Years’ War ended in 1453, Bordeaux returned to French control, and the trade with England waned for a time. But the English passion for Bordeaux never disappeared. By the 17th century, innovations in winemaking—especially longer maceration and barrel aging—transformed Bordeaux wines from the pale “clairet” of old into deeper, more structured reds. Yet the English name “claret” stuck.

By the 18th century, claret meant what it generally means today: the red wines of Bordeaux, especially blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. These wines were prized for their balance and their ability to age gracefully. London’s merchants and aristocrats began cellaring cases of Château Lafite, Margaux, and Latour, giving rise to a sophisticated wine trade that still influences collectors today.

What Makes a Wine “Claret-Style”?

When a California Zinfandel or a Rioja Gran Reserva gets described as “claret-style,” it means the wine channels that classical Bordeaux balance—medium to full-bodied, with structured tannins, restrained oak, and harmony between fruit, acid, and texture.

For instance, the Green & Red Tip Top Vineyard Zinfandel mentioned earlier achieves that claret character by focusing on elegance rather than sheer power. It’s Zinfandel shaped by structure: bright red fruit, minerality, and subtle spice—more Right Bank than raucous. Similarly, La Rioja Alta’s Viña Arana Gran Reserva embodies the tradition of blending and long barrel aging that mirrors Bordeaux’s refinement.

2018 Green & Red Tip Top Vineyard Zinfandel - $34.99	2016 La Rioja Alta’s Viña Arana Gran Reserva- $47.99	Francis Ford Coppola’s Diamond Collection Claret- $16.99

Even Francis Ford Coppola’s Diamond Collection Claret, with its British-inspired name and gold netting reminiscent of old-fashioned bottlings, celebrates that lineage—offering a ripe yet balanced Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that’s both affordable and expressive.

Claret in the Modern Wine World

Today, claret remains a familiar word to many British and American wine lovers, though its formal use in France has faded. The Bordeaux producers themselves rarely use “claret,” preferring “vin rouge de Bordeaux.” But in English-speaking markets, “claret” carries a touch of nostalgia—a nod to tradition and the enduring link between England and Bordeaux.

Many of the best examples of “claret-style” wines now come not only from Bordeaux but also from California, Washington, Chile, and Australia. Winemakers seeking freshness, drinkability, and elegance often describe their wines in those terms.

Pairing and Enjoying Claret

Whether you’re sipping a true Bordeaux or a New World claret-style blend, these wines shine at the table. Their balance makes them versatile companions for food. Try pairing claret with roast lamb, grilled steak, mushroom risotto, or even hearty vegetable dishes. The moderate tannins and bright acidity cut through rich sauces while enhancing savory flavors.

If you’re looking to explore, browse Bottle Barn’s selection of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blends. You’ll find everything from value-driven right-bank Merlots to cellar-worthy Cabernets, as well as American interpretations of this timeless style.

A Word with a Thousand Years of History

So, what is claret? It’s more than just a wine—it’s a story of empire, trade, and taste. From medieval barrels of pale vinum clarum to the polished Cabernet blends of today, claret embodies a millennium of connection between Britain and Bordeaux, between history and the glass in your hand.

The next time you uncork a Bordeaux—or a balanced, elegant red blend inspired by that region—you’re tasting centuries of evolution, shaped by culture, climate, and craft. In short, you’re drinking history.

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