Merlot & cassis

We had some Merlot wine for dinner last night, and the label talked about
it having blackberry and "cassis" flavors etc. We think cassis is a
berry?? Just wondering if we are right?? If it is a berry, it doesn't
seem to be one people eat like blueberries etc. Can anyone help me with an answer?

[m brown]

Right you are! Cassis is the black currant, a smelly little berry that is said to look like a bed bug.They are used for creme de cassis and sauces or flavors mostly, while the more attractive red and white currants are sweeter smelling and easier to eat on their own. (beautiful on a fresh tart!)

[Ruthy]

Black currants (cassis) can be used to make a
wonderful sauce for game meats, particularly venison or squab. For some reason they are not too easy to find in this country. I usually bring a couple of jars back with me from France although the fresh or even frozen are much better

I was born in Tasmania where black currants are a very common commercial crop.A company called Cascade make a beatiful syrup from black currants, it is often given to children as a drink diluted with water, because of its high vitamin C content. Pickers get badly stained hands and a sore back as the bush only grows to about 3ft. max.
I have used the fresh berries in stuffings and sauces, they work particularly well with roast leg of lamb. The syrup can be used in dressins and desserts but beware its very strong. the old saying "less is more " applies here.

peter