Cassis

• Clairette and Marsanne: At the heart of Cassis white wines, these grapes bring lively citrus, stone-fruit, and white flower aromas, with a medium to full-bodied texture. They showcase a hint of Provençal herbs.
• Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre: Essential in Cassis rosé wines, these southern varieties create pale, elegant wines with flavors of wild strawberry, watermelon, and a touch of spice.
• Cassis Rosé: Known for its refreshing and elegant style, this wine is predominantly made from Grenache and Cinsault, offering a pale hue and delicate fruit flavors.
• Cassis Red: Less common, these wines are medium-bodied with red-berry fruit, gentle spice, and a mineral quality, often featuring Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Cassis' unique terroir features a landscape with various elevations and sun exposures, from plots near sea level to southeast-facing slopes and higher terraces near Cap Canaille. The vineyards thrive in shallow, well-drained soils of limestone and clay, often supported by traditional stone terraces called restanques. This calcareous land gives the wines a distinct minerality.

The Mediterranean climate in Cassis includes hot, dry summers and mild winters, with cooling sea breezes and protection from nearby mountains. These conditions help maintain acidity and promote healthy vine growth. Moderate rainfall mainly in the fall reduces drought risk. The mistral wind, though gentler here, aids vine health by lowering humidity. Cassis wines often reflect the region's character with a touch of salinity, ripe citrus, and herbal scents like the nearby garrigue.

The charming region of Cassis is an epicenter for boutique wineries that excel in producing distinctive wines expressive of their terroir. Here are a few noteworthy estates:

• Domaine du Bagnol: A historic estate renowned for its Cassis Blanc, showcasing the region’s traditional grape varieties with a touch of minerality.
• Clos Sainte Magdeleine: Overlooking the azure Mediterranean, this estate offers elegant whites and rosés, capturing the essence of the sea and garrigue.
• Domaine de la Ferme Blanche: Known for its innovative practices, this winery crafts expressive wines that balance tradition with modern winemaking techniques.

These wineries exemplify the dedication to quality and the unique character of Cassis wines, inviting visitors to explore their tasting rooms and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.

Cassis, with its stunning coastal backdrop, is at the forefront of sustainable winemaking. The region's naturally low-yielding soils and dry summers lend themselves to organic practices.

Here, vineyards favor integrated pest management and reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. Cover crops protect the delicate soils, while manual labor is often employed on steeper plots, and irrigation is minimal and strictly regulated.

In the cellar, many wineries are committed to conserving resources by recycling water and transforming grape waste into compost. Energy efficiency is enhanced through solar power, temperature control, and gravity-flow systems. Although Cassis lacks a specific sustainability label, a strong ethos of conservation is evident, with efforts to preserve biodiversity and the coastal calanques. With an increasing number of vineyards pursuing organic and biodynamic certification, Cassis is a model for eco-conscious viticulture.

Cassis, a gem of Provence, combines the allure of the Mediterranean with its rich winemaking tradition.

Situated along the coast, the area offers wine enthusiasts a unique tourism experience. Visitors can explore the terraced vineyards framed by Cap Canaille's limestone cliffs and taste exceptional whites and rosés derived from Clairette, Marsanne, Grenache, and Cinsault grapes.

• Domaine du Bagnol: Known for its mineral-rich Cassis Blanc, it reflects the terroir's essence.
• Clos Sainte Magdeleine: Offers stunning views and wines that capture the sea's essence.
• Domaine de la Ferme Blanche: Blends tradition with innovation in its winemaking.

These wineries invite exploration, offering tastings and tours set against breathtaking landscapes. Cassis is a model of sustainable viticulture, emphasizing organic practices and conservation.