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New ZealandFlavors · Dijon
A white wine aperitif, traditionally the Bourgogne aligoté, with crème de cassis. The mixture, formerly called blanc-cassis, took the name of Canon Félix Kir, mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968, who served it at city hall receptions.
Traditional drink from Dijon, Borgonha-Franco-Condado
Also known as: blanc-cassis, vin blanc cassis
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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Kir — Dijon, France
The kir is a simple aperitif: one part crème de cassis, the blackcurrant liqueur, to four parts dry white wine, served chilled. The traditional wine is Bourgogne aligoté, a Burgundy white that is more acidic and less highly regarded than the region's top wines.
Crème de cassis originated in Dijon in 1841, when a café owner in the city began macerating blackcurrants in alcohol with sugar. The liqueur received two geographical indications: Cassis de Dijon and Crème de cassis de Bourgogne.
The white wine and cassis mixture was already drunk in Dijon as blanc-cassis in the early 20th century. It became better known after 1945, when Canon Félix Kir, a priest and deputy, was elected mayor of Dijon. He served blanc-cassis at city hall receptions and brought it to Paris; the drink then became known by his name. Félix Kir remained mayor until his death in 1968.
There are variations: the kir royal replaces the wine with champagne or a crémant, and the cardinal uses red wine.
Dijon , Borgonha-Franco-Condado
Crème de cassis originated in Dijon in 1841, and the aperitif took the name of the city's mayor, Félix Kir.
Dry white wine, traditionally Bourgogne aligoté; crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur).
Chilled, in a wine glass, as an aperitif before a meal. The classic ratio is one part cassis to four parts wine.
Aperitif, year-round, at home, in bars, and at receptions.
Your questions
No. The white wine and cassis mixture already existed in Dijon under the name blanc-cassis. It became associated with Félix Kir because the mayor of Dijon served it at city hall receptions between 1945 and 1968.
Traditionally Bourgogne aligoté, a dry white wine from Burgundy. The classic ratio is one part crème de cassis to four parts wine.
The version of the kir made with champagne or crémant instead of white wine.
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