Livre Vins de Cassis

PAROLE DE SOMMELIER

“Cassis is like a diamond set in nature. Its past proves that ever since prehistoric times, the people who have made it their home have clearly understood its priceless value. Cassis first emerged as a settlement beneath the sea cliffs of Cap Canaille, and embodies everything that makes Provence and the Mediterranean so unique. Originally from Marseille, my love for this corner of paradise goes back to my childhood. In those days, I walked and explored the coastal creeks with my father, who introduced me to the charms of this unique place. Its beauty, strength and calm have both shaped my taste and my philosophy of life. How could anyone fail to be fascinated by the extraordinary colour palette ranging from the ochre of Cap Canaille and the white of Port-Miou to the green pine woods and the maquis. To breathe in the fragrant and heady mix of sea, aromatic plants and earth is to put all our senses on alert: an explosion of sensations that blends an entire world of mineral, vegetable and marine influences. Over time, the cultivation of vines has become increasingly important in this natural amphitheatre. Vines have been grown here for more than 2,000 years, and the quality of Cassis wines very quickly earned them an enviable reputation. So perhaps it should come as little surprise that it was one of the first French winegrowing areas to be awarded AOC status in 1936. The white wines of Cassis tower above others like the cliffs above the sea. Their reputation goes unchallenged. The floral freshness and elegant fruit of these wines make them the perfect accompaniment to seafood. Although the reds are less well known, I love their generosity of flavour in the same way that I appreciate the elegance and sophistication of the region’s rosés. We should always remember that although wine may speak to the palate, its memory lies in the heart.”