Definition of claret

The origin of the word "claret" can be traced back to medieval France. In the 14th century, the wine produced in the Bordeaux region was referred to as "clarets de Bordeaux" or "clarets" for short. The term "claret" is derived from the Old French word "claret," meaning "clear" or "bright." This likely referred to the wine's clarity and color, as claret wine was known for its pale, pinkish hue. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term "claret" became synonymous with the fine wines of Bordeaux, particularly those produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Today, the term "claret" is often used to describe a type of red wine from Bordeaux, characterized by its bright color, fruity flavors, and subtle tannins. Despite its widespread use, the term "claret" is technically a misnomer, as the wine produced in Bordeaux is actually a type of red wine, rather than a true claret.