Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE DE CASSAN: MOUNTAIN WINES FROM THE CROSET BROTHERS

308 Views Posted on: 2024-06-05
 

Vinifying in a Unique Setting: The Domaine de Cassan in the Dentelles de Montmirail

Both are vinifying at the Domaine de Cassan, located in a stunning location: the mountainous Dentelles de Montmirail. Situated at 102 meters above sea level, Domaine de Cassan holds treasures: "We found Roman coins dating back to the 1st century in our land. These valuable objects attest to the presence of Romans, who were the first to cultivate vines in Provence during antiquity," recounts Jean-Charles.

The Croset Family’s Adventure at Domaine de Cassan

The Croset family's journey at Domaine de Cassan began in 1975 when Paul Croset, Jean-Charles and Vincent's father, visited the vineyard. This wine enthusiast was instantly captivated and soon left his career as a printer to purchase the vineyard. "Our father immediately saw the potential of the estate. He built a winery because he preferred to produce his own wine rather than rely on the cooperative cellars in the region. And that’s how Domaine de Cassan was born!" recall Jean-Charles and Vincent. Passionate about wine as well, the two sons closely followed their father's endeavors and regularly visited the estate to assist him. In 2010, they took over as operators of Domaine de Cassan.

“Extreme Vines”

Affiliated with the Beaumes-de-Venise appellation, the vineyard at Domaine de Cassan is characteristic of those found in the Dentelles de Montmirail at altitudes above 300 meters. "It's an extreme vineyard: in this area, the slopes are steep, and we have to use crawler tractors to work the land." These "extreme" conditions described by Jean-Charles are reflected in the wine: "The hardness and minerality of the stony, clay-limestone soils lead to low yields, but they produce very distinctive, original, and complex wines," explains the winemaker.

For red wines, the primary grape varieties used are Grenache and Syrah, with Mourvèdre and Cinsault as secondary varieties. For white wines, the estate produces a wine from Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette. During harvest and winemaking, the Croset brothers are constantly seeking optimization in the complex process of wine production: determining the harvest date for each grape variety and parcel, setting winemaking parameters (temperature, yeasts, maceration time) that may vary based on the quality of the harvest and the desired result, choosing aging methods specific to each vintage (with or without oak barrels, concrete or stainless steel tanks, aging duration, with or without micro-oxygenation, etc.). "The estate becomes a true laboratory. Our consulting oenologists meticulously analyze the harvested grapes, and we conduct in-depth research together to find the best formula for optimal wine production," details Jean-Charles.

Accommodation for Hikers

Domaine de Cassan is located at both ends of the Dentelles de Montmirail, which is one of the favorite trails for tourists and seasoned hikers. This is why the Croset brothers have built studios on their estate to accommodate seasonal visitors. "We meet many visitors interested in wine who ask us about our work. We gladly share our passion and know-how with them. It’s very rewarding to be able to share our enthusiasm and expertise," say the Croset brothers with delight.