Vin clair

French · clear still base wine

Vin clair is the still base wine of Champagne before blending and second fermentation.1

Vins clairs come from the first alcoholic fermentation of settled must, usually in stainless steel vats, sometimes in oak.2 Some also go through malolactic fermentation, which is optional.2

The chef de cave tastes them and decides the blend, the assemblage.3 Wines of the latest harvest are the vins de l'année; wines from earlier harvests kept back are vins de réserve.1 The general OIV term is base wine.4

See also

Vin de baseGlossaryAssemblageGlossaryFirst fermentationMethodsAssemblage and reserve winesMethods

Sources

  1. Comité Champagne (champagne.education). Fiche Élaboration du Champagne (FR) (2024-05)
  2. Comité Champagne (champagne.fr). Fermentation
  3. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). Blending a Grande Marque cuvée
  4. OIV International Code of Oenological Practices, II.4.1 Definitions common to all sparkling wines (II.4.1.1-II.4.1.10)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19