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Domaine de Cassan-Croset
– Beaumes de Venise (Rhone), France

The Domaine is in the in the heart of the “Dentelles de Montmirail,” at the foot of Mount Ventoux, a picturesque, jagged, low mountain area that is a prom-inent landmark, which is visible from many miles away. This mountainous region surrounding the Cassan Gigondas vineyard is a nature preserve, and a naturalists’ paradise. Cassan’s efforts have been rewarded with numerous medals, and the Domaine is cited in the principal guidebooks and reviews (Robert Parker, Hachette, Revue des Vins de France, and Decanter Magazine, for example).

The Monthly Selection

2007 Cotes du Ventoux Rouge 

This appellation lies along the south slopes of the imposing 7000 foot Mont Ventoux in Vaucluse, the famous precipice that marks the gate between the Rhône and Provence. As writings from Cesar and Pline bear witness, the history and traditions of the vineyards of the Côtes du Ventoux date back to ancient times. Recent interest in this area from some of the better wine makers of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Burgundy testify to its potential. The grapes are Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and this wine is wonderfully juicy and smooth with a lovely core of sweet red fruit and some light notes of provencal herbs and savory spice; robust, full of fruit and flavor – the epitome of value-plus, a “baby Gigondas”, if you will.

Regular Price $11.99 Web Special $8.99

The Domaine Cassan Story

“In the heart of the “Dentelles de Montmirail,” at the foot of Mount Ventoux, a jagged, mountainous region surrounding the Cassan Gigondas vineyard, which is a nature preserve, and a hikers’ and naturalists’ paradise.” The DOMAINE DE CASSAN is owned by the Croset family and operated by family members Marie-Odile Croset and her husband, Gerard Paillet. Domaine de Cassan was acquired by the Croset family more than 35 years ago. Since then, their myriad improvements have included an extended planted area, regular revamping of cellars and vine stock, among other innovations. The current generation of Crosets continue to make award-winning progress. The young couple lives on the property, which is integral to the tending and upkeep of the land. The domain has 66 acres of vines, of which 17 acres are in the coveted A.O.C. Gigondas, 41.5 acres are Côtes du Rhône-Villages Beaumes de Venise, producing red, white and rosé, and 7.5 acres are in Côtes du Ventoux.

Gigondas can be seen as an alternative to more expensive expensive Châteauneuf du Pape. The “muscle-man” of the Southern Rhone, Gigondas – especially from the best sites and winemakers – creates top quality reds sometimes rivaling its southwest neighbor. But, Gigondas always tends to have the rustic, edgy flavor found in wines from the area. As one journalist noted, “The Gigondas wines are muscular and robust – kind of an “old-school” wine, if you will. The region, once a Cotes-du-Rhone village, earned its own appellation in 1971. Not concentrating on being high-tech, easy-drinking or smooth, Gigondas is an in-your-face red, daring the consumer to try it's spicy, leathery, soulful juice. Good producers are making Gigondas able to age for up to 10 or 15 years, although if you like robust wines, you'll love them early too. Grenache is the main grape, making up to (but not to exceed) 80% of the wine, Syrah & Mourvedre make up the majority of the extra 20%, although some other Cote-du-Rhone varietals can be found in small amounts. Rosé is seen less in the export market, but make good, spicy, dry wines.

The Domaine is situated in the southern part of the Côtes du Rhône AOC region, 35 km north of Avignon and 15 km west of Orange, in the department of Vaucluse. It is in the heart of the “Dentelles de Montmirail,” at the foot of Mount Ventoux, a picturesque, jagged, low mountain area that is a prominent landmark, which is visible from many miles away. This mountainous region surrounding the Cassan Gigondas vineyard is a nature preserve, and in the summer it is a hikers’ and naturalists’ paradise. Much of the wine from the Gigondas appellation grows on the alluvial flats of the ancient Rhône River bed lying below the mountain. Indeed, only 10% of the appellation’s wine comes from the top of this jagged mountain that looms above the plain. Cassan’s Gigondas is such a wine. The soil in their Gigondas vineyards is both clay and chalky. The steep, terraced vineyard enjoys an exceptional amount of annual sunshine. The Cassan property itself is beautifully situated in the hills above the village of Gigondas. The slopes roll gently with various exposures. The soil is rocky, with excellent drainage. A fine backdrop is provided by Les Dentelles, those rocky teeth that stand out so stunningly at the crest of the range. The distinctive features of the “Dentelles de Montmirail” create a micro-climate which often protects the Domaine Cassan from the hail and late frost that affect other Gigondas vineyards. Only 10% of the Gigondas appellation is in this choice mountain area.

This insular topography also protects the region from disease and insect infestation. The vines here are as old as 50 years. The Cassan plantings include 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault. Domaine Cassan practices a highly analytical approach to the cultivation of their vines, and are careful to respect the natural cycles with indispensable treatment of both the soil and the vines. The grapes are hand-picked and then separated from the stems. Vinification is done by traditional methods, and fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures and lasts between 10 and 35 days. The wine is aged in vats, as well as in large and small oak barrels. Cassan’s efforts have been rewarded with numerous medals, and the Domaine is cited in the principal guidebooks and reviews (Robert Parker, Hachette, Revue des Vins de France, and Decanter Magazine, for example).

December 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES

Kenwood Vineyards - Sonoma County, CA
• 2007 "Sonoma" Sauvignon
  Blanc