Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE DE CASSAN: GOOD & BEAUTIFUL, WITH SIMPLICITY.

Domaine de Cassan: In the Heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail

The Domaine de Cassan is the only winery located at such a high altitude on this iconic site. Over time, the estate has become a favored destination for hikers eager to combine a love of nature with the discovery of authentic wines. This unique setting, where vineyards, pines, oaks, waterfalls, and a historic chapel coexist, gives the Domaine de Cassan a strong identity. The chapel is even immortalized on the wine labels, symbolizing the connection between the estate and its environment.

The history of Domaine de Cassan is marked by the passing of the torch from the Croset family to the Petitjean family, illustrating continuity based on trust and mutual respect for family values. Under the leadership of Éric Petitjean and his son Jérôme, Domaine de Cassan is entering a new era without breaking away from its identity.

A Long Family Tradition in Wine

With a winemaking heritage dating back to the 19th century and expertise passed down through multiple generations, wine is part of the Petitjean family's DNA. Jérôme Petitjean, son of the current owner, Éric Petitjean, comes from a long family tradition inherited from his Champagne ancestors. As early as 1846, Étienne Cochet, a Champagne cooper, launched a wine trading business in Ambonnay. His son, Pol Cochet, later developed his own blends of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 1875, earning a solid reputation for the quality of his wines. Later, his daughter Louise and her husband Henri Petitjean continued the business.

Pierre Petitjean, their son and an oenology enthusiast, founded the Champagne Oenological Institute, a consulting company for Champagne producers. His son Michel Petitjean (Jérôme's grandfather) became its director and also resumed Champagne production. Eric Petitjean then carried on his father's work, spending 15 years at the helm of the institute before shifting gears and acquiring Château la Croix des Pins in 2010. By taking over Domaine de Cassan in 2023, Éric and his son Jérôme Petitjean aim to share their passion as a family by crafting wines that reflect their values.

Domaine de Cassan: A Spirit of Sharing

Domaine de Cassan doesn't just perpetuate its family heritage; it looks resolutely towards the future with the ambition of developing wine tourism and enhancing its wine offerings. The initiative to add a reception hall and expand oenotourism activities highlights a commitment to welcoming guests, sharing experiences, and creating memorable moments around wine. Its privileged location in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail positions Domaine de Cassan as a key player in the region, naturally suited to wine tourism.

Every visit to Domaine de Cassan is an invitation to feel the freedom and vastness of the surrounding landscapes, which are reflected in the wines produced. The Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Christophe blanc and Beaumes-de-Venise Saint-Christophe rouge cuvées, appreciated for their lightness and fruity expressiveness, embody the estate’s philosophy: to offer authentic, accessible wines full of character. The wines of Domaine de Cassan thus symbolize the perfect symbiosis between an exceptional terroir and family expertise.