Clos Sainte Magdeleine

The History of Clos Sainte Magdeleine

The Cassis region was already producing wine, while the Romans occupied the country. From the cape that Clos Sainte Magdeleine occupies today, the amphorae of wine were embarked on merchant ships that then served the entire Mediterranean coast.

The Clos Sainte Magdeleine has belonged to the Sack-Zafiropulo family for four generations. These Greek industrialists had emigrated to France, via Marseille, in the 19th century and have not left since. They have been operating the Clos Sainte Magdeleine since 1921.

The estate belongs to the Calanques National Park, has a vineyard terraced in restanques, facing the sea on the slopes of Cape Canaille. The art deco style residence that sits in the middle of the vineyards completes this enchanting picture.

Each generation has been involved in the production of renowned Cassis white and rosé wines. Since 2010, it is Jonathan Sack-Zafiropulo who has brilliantly taken over the family torch. It is to him that we owe the turn of the Clos Sainte Magdeleine towards organic viticulture. He also works on the development of the terroirs, by elaborating parcel-based vintages.

The Clos Sainte Magdeleine has magnificent cellars dating from the 19th century which are used for the making of the wine, as well as for its storage. The winery is made of stainless steel, concrete, stoneware jars and demi-muid barrels.

The Clos Sainte Magdeleine vineyard

The Clos Sainte Magdeleine vineyard covers 12 hectares. 10.5 hectares are reserved for red grape varieties and 1.5 hectares are dedicated to white grape varieties. The estate produces an average of 40,000 bottles per year.

The red grape varieties are Grenache for 70%, Cinsault for 15%, and Mourvèdre for 15%. The white varieties are Marsanne for 51%, Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano) for 25% and Clairette for 24%. The average age of the vines is 35 years.

The idyllic location of the vines, facing the Mediterranean Sea, allows them to take advantage of the sea spray that brings a unique iodine flavor to the Clos Sainte Magdeleine wines. The soil of the estate is limestone and stony, particularly mineral.

The exposure of the terraces cultivated in restanque, on the hillside, offers a perfect west - north - west exposure. The deep rooting of the vines ensures that they receive sufficient water and nutrients.

The Clos Sainte Magdeleine wines

Clos Sainte Magdeleine offers rosé and white wines belonging to the Cassis appellation.

The Cuvée Bel Arme, AOC Cassis white

Cuvée Bel Arme is made from a blend of Marsanne, Clairette and Ugni Blanc. The wine is considered one of the most typical of the Clos Sainte Magdeleine and the Cassis appellation.

Its complexity is remarkable. It offers aromas of jasmine, mango, white fruits and honeysuckle. The mouth is ample and satiny, very long and always lively.