At a glance

Producer

Clos Sainte Magdeleine

Region

Cassis, Provence, France

Grape variety

White Blend (typically Marsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc)

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$36-48 USD

Tasting profile

Zesty citrus, ripe stone fruit, white flowers, distinctive sea spray/saline minerality, subtle herbes de Provence.

Evolution: Develops waxy texture, honeyed and nutty complexity over 3–5 years while retaining freshness.

At peak: Optimal between 2–4 years after harvest: perfect harmony of fruit, minerality, and evolving secondary notes.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus (bright Mediterranean freshness)

Tannins

None (white wine, no maceration)

Alcohol

Typically 12.5–13% ABV

Aging potential

Designed to be enjoyed young, but best examples age gracefully 4–6 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2027

Optimal window

2024 to 2028

Current status

Very youthful—2023 is the most recent vintage, released in spring/summer 2024.

Current condition

Fresh, primary, vibrant, showing fruit and saline minerality. Structured for short- to mid-term cellaring.

Clos Ste.-Magdeleine Cassis is renowned for its maritime freshness and aging potential uncommon in southern French whites. Peak is reached once primary aromatics integrate with textural development but before fruit recedes—usually in years 2–4 post-vintage.

Food pairing

Classic with Provençal seafood (bouillabaisse), grilled fish, shellfish, mediterranean vegetables, and goat cheese.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Organic viticulture since 2012; minimal sulfur use; cover cropping; mechanical weeding; low-intervention winemaking; use of returnable glass and lightweight bottles; on-site solar panels for part of winery energy; rainwater collection for irrigation.

Clos Sainte Magdeleine is a regional leader in sustainability, with full organic certification, biodiversity-focused vineyard management, and investments in renewable energy and responsible packaging. Their carbon profile is positive for a Mediterranean estate, but not yet at zero due to international distribution. Overall, strong commitment and ongoing improvements in eco-friendly viticulture and winery operations justify a high sustainability rating.