Le Cassissium
The blackcurrant is the emblem of Burgundy and is highly appreciated and consumed in the form of ‘crème de cassis’. However, its numerous qualities and other uses remain little known in France and in fact the fruit is totally unknown in certain parts of the world.
A museum dedicated to ‘le cassis’ (blackcurrant) in all its forms
Created in 2001, financed entirely by the privately-owned Védrenne distillery based at Nuits-Saint-Georges since 1923, the Cassissium is an interactive museum totally dedicated to promoting the little black berry in all its forms. The Cassissium is a discovery centre of an inimitable expertise at the heart of an area of rich soil and close to wine-growing slopes. The 1,000m² building houses a permanent exhibition, a projection room, tasting area and shop.
The exhibition is unique and uses touch screen and visual effects, smell and, of course, taste to present historical and agricultural aspects of the blackcurrant, its uses in medicine, perfumery and gastronomy. This is followed by a guided tour of the Védrenne liqueur factory to see how ‘crème de cassis’ is made.
The factory tour shows visitors how Védrenne does its utmost to extract, capture and reproduce optimum flavours and aromas from the fruit.
The Cassissium a culinary adventure
First of all, the nearby Burgundy orchards of Côte d'Or allow the best varieties to be selected and picked when perfectly ripe. Védrenne is very involved with its growers and is committed to long-term relationships based on environmentally-friendly practices and regular inspections. Several growers are certified organic producers.
Once in the storehouse, the fruit is macerated in neutral alcohol in giant, revolving, stainless steel vats, specially designed by Védrenne to protect the fruit from the light and oxidation, thus preserving the flavours intact during the maceration period. Transfer and pressing are carried out in the same way, i.e. without any contact with the surrounding air, to produce an end-product which is extremely aromatic and rich in colour.
The fun, interactive visit is suitable for everyone and ends, of course, with a tasting session of fruit ‘crèmes’, liqueurs and syrups. A delicious gourmet experience to share with family or friends ! Before starting out on the Route des Grands Crus Wine Trail...
SatNav: Latitude 47°07’48.12 »N – Longitude 4°57’31.28 »E
How to get to the Cassissium
By car :
From RN74 (between Beaune and Dijon) : in the centre of Nuits-Saint-Georges, follow signs for A31. Turn right at 3rd roundabout towards Seurre, then take 2nd right.
From autoroute A31 : exit 1 for Nuits-St-Georges. After toll booths, at 1st roundabout, turn left towards Seurre and take 2nd right.
By rail : to Nuits-Saint-Georges station, then follow signs (5 minute walk)."
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