What about testing one of the most famous french apéritif ?  A mix of blackcurrant liquor with a Bourgogne Aligoté white wine … the famous “Kir” !

The blackcurrant berry (“cassis” in french) originally comes from cold countries ( Scandinavia, Tibet, Siberia…). Implanted in France during the XVI century, the blackcurrant leaves were infused for medicinal purposes.

But in 1841, in the Dijon city (Burgundy area), Mr Auguste-Denis Lagoute created a new recipe: the first blackcurrant liquor. With the help of his son-in-law, Mr Henri Lejay, this creamy product with strong aroma became successful.

The mix of simple white wine with this liquor was named “blanc-cassis”.

The current “Kir” formula only dates back to the years 50′: when the priest Félix Kir – mayor of the Dijon city- agreed to give his name to his favorite aperitif (a mix of liquor (1/5) with Bourgogne Aligoté white wine only (4/5)).

Since 2013, the “Crème de cassis de Dijon” is protected by a Geographical Indication label. Its production must follow strict specifications such as : production within Dijon township only / french blackcurrant only / macerating blackcurrant berries in alcohol / at least 200 g blackcurrant berries per liter of finished product / minimum 15 % degree of alcohol / minimum 25% blackcurrant berries of the “Noir de Bourgogne” variety).

Only 4 Dijon liquor makers meet these production requirements: Maison Briottet – Gabriel Boudier – Lejay Lagoute – L’Héritier Guyot.

NB: Only the Maison Briottet remained a family business since 1836. It was initially a wine trader house.

When buying a “Crème de cassis de Dijon” bottle, you can be sure to buy a traditional high-quality product.

You can buy this product in wine stores (e.g: Le repaire de bacchus or Nicolas) or in wine section of super-markets.

Nowadays, there are many variantes of this aperitif : with champagne (Kir Royal), with red whine (Communard or Cardinal), with cider (Kir breton)…etc. And you can also use other fruits liquors (peach or various berries instead of the blackcurrant one). In that case, it must not be named “Kir” but “blanc + fruit liquor name”.

Enjoy your french aperitif !

Remind : Excessive alcohol drinking is a health hazard, drink with moderation !