Cassis Provence, France 2 Items Follow

This small, sunny, coastal appellation near Bandol, is classic Provence. Sheltering Cassis from the cool, northerly winds, locally called mistral, tall sea cliffs tower above the region on its northern border. Directly to the south of Cassis, the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean keep it decidedly warm and mild. Cassis produces predominantly full-bodied and herb-driven white wine from Clairette and Marsanne and makes a small amount of rosé and red wine from Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault. Confusingly, the sweet blackcurrant liqueur, Creme de Cassis, does not from Cassis, but instead is a spcialty of Burgundy.