Cassis Monna & Filles: A Blackcurrant House on Île d’Orléans

If you ever find yourself on Île d’Orléans (Near Quebec City), there’s one stop that feels like a perfect blend of terroir, tradition, and a little bit of magic: Cassis Monna & Filles.

This family story starts far earlier than most people realize. The Monna roots go back to 1872, when Louis Monna founded a wine-and-spirits house in Hérault, France. Then, around 1925, the family’s next generation carried the craft forward in different ways—expanding the legacy that would eventually make its way across the ocean.

Fast-forward to Québec: Bernard Monna, a fourth-generation liquoriste from southern France, arrived on Île d’Orléans in the early 1970s and recognized something special about the island’s microclimate—ideal conditions for growing blackcurrants. He became the first to produce blackcurrant wines and crème de cassis in Québec, planting the seeds (literally and figuratively) for what Cassis Monna & Filles is today.

Today, the house is led by Bernard’s daughters (the “filles”), and the experience has grown into something you can truly spend time in: tastings, a boutique, and that dreamy agritourism vibe where you can taste the fruit in different forms and actually feel connected to the place it comes from.

And of course, the star is still the same: blackcurrant—deep, aromatic, and unmistakably bold. Whether you’re sipping a cassis-based aperitif, browsing their blackcurrant products, or treating yourself on-site, it’s the kind of visit that turns into a sensory memory you’ll want to bring home.

Here’s a tasteful overview of the products offered by Cassis Monna & Filles, all crafted around their signature ingredient: black currants cultivated on Île d’Orléans in Québec.

Crème de Cassis

The flagship classic — a rich, velvety black currant liqueur with deep red-purple colour, lush fruit aromas and a long finish. It’s perfect in cocktails like a Kir or Kir Royal, delightful over ice, and sensational paired with desserts. If you want to try a Kir Royal click here.

Fruité (Black Currant Wine)

A summer-fresh wine with bold black currant flavours and floral, citrusy notes. Serve it chilled on its own, over ice, or use it in sangria for a festive touch.

Madérisé

Inspired by Madeira, this slightly fortified black currant wine offers caramel and oak notes — lovely as an apéritif on ice or paired with dark chocolate.

Capiteux (Fortified Wine)

A rich, port-style fortified wine with aromas of cocoa, vanilla, prune and roasted coffee — perfect as a digestif or with refined cheeses.

Gourmet Pantry & Condiments

Beyond drinks, Monna & Filles transforms black currants into a creative range of culinary products that bring fruity depth to your kitchen:

Jellies & Spreads

Black currant jelly — sweet, glossy, great on scones or pastries.
Black currant wine jelly — rich and savoury, ideal with foie gras or cheese boards.

Savoury Condiments

Black currant onion confit — excellent on quiches, burgers, or grilled cheese.
Black currant mustard — bright and tangy in vinaigrettes, marinades, or sandwiches.
Black currant ketchup — unique twist for shepherd’s pie or game meats.

Specialty Items

Marinated olives with black currant wine — great warm or as tapenade.
Perséide blackcurrant vinegar — adds fruity acidity to salads and sauces.

Treats & Artisan Goods

Monna & Filles also offers collaborations and artisanal goodies infused with black currant:

Apple & blackcurrant caramel — perfect as dessert sauce or a snack.
Black currant honey — local, fragrant, and floral.
Natural black currant soap — fragrant and artisanal.
Black currant nougat, marshmallows & sweets — playful local confections.

Non-Alcoholic & Seasonal Items

While their website emphasizes spirits and gourmet foods, third-party retailers carry additional Monna & Filles items, such as sparkling cassis juice, cassis lemonade, and other fruit-forward refreshers — perfect for all ages and occasions.