Cassis

Cassis wine was one of the first to receive the appellation d'origine contrôlée in 1936. AOC Cassis is produced by 12 estates whose 196 hectares of vines are located exclusively in the commune of Cassis.

The vineyards of Cassis are protected from the Mistral by the impressive height of the surrounding hills. Within this amphitheater, Cassis enjoys a micro-climate that is ideal for growing quality vines. Cassis vines are grown on three types of soil: shallow, eroded soils, rendziniform soils and shallow brown soils, and brown soils developed on colluvium. The 200 hectares of the Cassis appellation allow annual production of one million bottles of the precious nectar.

Cassis wines are harvested by hand. The grape varieties used for white wines are Ugni blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Doucillon (the local name for Bourboulenc) and Sauvignon. Cassis reds and rosés are made with Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Château Barbanau offers a fine example of these blends.