The fines the claires is in fact a wild oyster that has been affinated. The area of Marennes, in the Charentes Maritiems, south of the Breton peninsula, is a stronghold of oyster farming. In this very extensive area where huge quantities of oysters are produced, a nice classification system is used. This classification system provides clarity on quality and taste. In Marennes d’Oléron all oysters come from the claires (called the oyster wells in French (claires) hence the name for these oysters.). These natural oyster wells have a strong influence on color and taste due to the soil condition. Fines the claires is the standard model. The Fines des Claires are called so because after the week they move to 'oyster wells' where they get their exceptional taste in up to three months.