Cassis is one of those confusing words in French -it is “blackcurrant”, “blackcurrant liqueur (techincally Creme de Cassis) and a coastal resort in Provence (and an AOC wine)! Probably best known as the classic ingredient of a Kir (chilled white wine, traditionally Burgundy) or Kir Royale (Champagne), classic Creme de Cassis comes from Burgundy (Beaune). and it is in Burgundy that the town of Nuits St Georges holds its annual Fete du Cassis (5-6 September 2009) which celebrates all aspects of the blackcurrant – including blackcurrant bread, ham, jams and condiments, sausages, liqueurs and kir!
With stalls, music, tastings and a demonstration of blackcurrant pressing this should be fun – see www.lacabotte.com
