C. Cassis 'Cassette' Chamomile Hudson River Region NV

C. Cassis is made by Rachael Petach right here in Rhinebeck in the Hudson Valley! A visionary, an alchemist, and an overall delight of a person, Rachael fell in love with cassis while WWOOF*-ing (*Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms) in France and decided to return to the States and craft her own libations utilizing New York-grown blackcurrants. The popularity of cassis spread from Burgundy, France, to the US in the 1840s, and soon many American distillers began growing their own blackcurrants. However, US production came to an abrupt halt in 1911 when it was discovered that the blackcurrant was a host for white pine blister rust, posing a severe threat to the timber industry, and the growing of blackcurrants was banned. Luckily, in 2003, thanks to improved scientific knowledge about blister rust, rust-resistant varieties of blackcurrant, and the lobbying efforts of Dutchess County farmer Greg Quinn, New York State lifted the ban. C. Cassis now buys most of their fruit from Greg, in fact! ‘Cassette’ is a piquette-style low ABV (9%) made from fermenting re-hydrated blackcurrants on champagne yeast along with chamomile. It is fermented until dry, pressed off, sweetened with a bit of fresh blackcurrant juice and Cayuga grape wine, then undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, leading to a gentle bubble. Snappy blackcurrant and earthy red fruit notes meander alongside light floral and green herbal notes courtesy of the chamomile. Slightly evocative of a dry Lambrusco, this unique sipper is a true original, perfect for picnics.