What is the difference between Bordeaux rosé and Bordeaux clairet?

In terms of regulations, it is the measurement of color intensity (ICM) that defines the boundary between Bordeaux rosé (pale) and Bordeaux clairet (ruby).
Both are made from the traditional red grape varieties of Bordeaux, mainly: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec…

In practice, in our method of elaboration, the duration of maceration differs: 1 to 2 hours for the rosé, about 3 to 4 days for the clairet.
The maturity of the grapes harvested is also important. For the rosé, we are looking for a slightly more marked freshness: to obtain it, we harvest a specific plot a few days earlier than if we had vinified it as a red. to keep the fresh and airy character of modern rosés.
For the clairet, we harvest beautiful plots of red grapes at perfect maturity in order to offer a colorful, very fruity, vinous, fat, opulent wine.

One of my English clients defines Bordeaux clairet as a “rosé on steroids”. In French, I like the term “rosé de gastronomie familiale”, it is a very original wine that you can drink on many occasions all year round.
he characteristic of the clairet is to be a rosé for laying down: indeed, Château Ballan-Larquette Bordeaux clairet can be appreciated in its youth for the opulence of its fruity aromas.
After a few years, it gains in aromatic complexity and acquires a silky and velvety texture.
A last point, to make the most of the clairet’s character, serve it slightly chilled (12-14°C) but not iced. 
Château Ballan-Larquette Bordeaux rosé, can be enjoyed slightly cooler (8-11°C).