Cassis

Cassis, small, mainly white wine appellation in provence. The encroachment of Greater Marseilles on this old fishing village keeps total plantings to just under 190 ha/470 acres in this sheltered amphitheatre, protected from the mistral by the Cap Canaille to the east, one of the highest cliffs in France.

Three-quarters of the wine is full, dry, herby white, made mainly from Clairette and Marsanne. A little rosé and even less red are also made, mainly from Mourvèdre (which ripens easily here—see nearby bandol), Grenache, and Cinsaut. Little Cassis is allowed to escape by the annual influx of summer visitors, however.