Cave Jaillance Clairette de Die sparkling room ★ 4.3
Die in the Drome department produces Clairette de Die, a low-alcohol (7-8 percent ABV) naturally sweet sparkling wine made by the Methode Ancestrale (partially fermented in bottle). Cave Jaillance, the principal co-operative, has a dedicated sparkling wine tasting room in Die open for visits. The Clairette de Die Methode Ancestrale is one of France's most unusual and historically resonant sparkling wines.
The list: Clairette de Die AOC Methode Ancestrale sparkling (Muscat and Clairette); also Cremant de Die and still Coteaux de Die whites
Tip: Clairette de Die is nothing like Prosecco despite its sweetness level. The Muscat-dominant Methode Ancestrale has a unique grape-skin freshness that chills beautifully for summer aperitifs. Die is also a spectacular mountain town worth the detour.