Winemaker Notes
The vineyards to produce the white wine at Bagnol cover a bit less than six hectares and are planted on a gentle slope of clay and limestone soil with a north–northwest exposure. After a manual harvest, the grapes are destemmed and pressed; the fermentation continues for three weeks in cement cuves at a temperature controlled 18 degrees Celsius; the wine is vinified completely dry. The malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve the freshness of the wine and the wine is bottled between May and July of the following year.
Blend: 50% Marsanne, 35% Clairette Blanc, 15% Ugni Blanc
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
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.