Thursday, August 6, 2009

Cassis and Bouillabaisse



Where do I find good bouillabaisse in the Bay Area?

I have the best white wine to pair with this famed Provençal fish stew, the 2007 Cassis Blanc from Clos Sainte-Magdeleine.

The last time I enjoyed a bouillabaisse was a few years ago at Chez Gilbert in the old port of Cassis. I washed it down with the local Cassis blanc, unfortunately it wasn't the Clos Sainte-Magdeleine.

The best producer of Cassis blanc is the estate of Clos Sainte-Magdeleine. I don't think I've ever visited a more beautiful winery. Set on the edge of a sheer limestone cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean and the calanques of Cassis, its vineyard rises up on the foots of Cap Canaille, the highest cliff in France. It's a breathtaking scene.

Tall pines and shrubs surround the vineyard where Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc are planted. These grapes make up the blend for the Cassis Blanc of Clos Sainte-Magdeleine.

If you ever find a resto that serves good bouillabaisse, or if you have the skill to whip one up yourself, make sure you drain some of the 2007 Clos Sainte-Magedeleine Cassis Blanc between slurps. You'll be in heaven for sure.

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