Grape · Red
Cinsault
Also known as Cinsaut in alternative spelling
Warm climate
About
Light, fragrant grape widely used for rose in Provence and as a blending partner in the southern Rhone. Parent grape (with Pinot Noir) of South Africa's Pinotage. Best drunk young.
Typical profile
Body
Light
Tannins
Smooth
Acidity
Mellow
Sweetness
Dry
Aromas
What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.
Young · fresh from the glass
Oak influence
None
Growing regions
How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.
France
Food pairings
Grilled salmon with herbes de Provence and lemonRatatouille with goat cheese and crusty breadBouillabaisse with rouille and toasted baguetteRoasted chicken with lavender and olive tapenadeSalade Niçoise with seared tunaBarbecued lamb kebabs with rosemary and garlic
Similar grapes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cinsault taste like?▼
Cinsault offers bright, fragrant flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry with floral peony notes when young. As it ages, it develops more earthy characteristics with dried fruit flavors.
Where does Cinsault grow best?▼
Cinsault thrives in warm climates and is widely cultivated in Provence, France, where it's prized for rosé production. It's also grown extensively in the southern Rhône Valley as a blending grape and in South Africa.
What food pairs with Cinsault?▼
With its light, fragrant profile, Cinsault pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine, grilled fish, herb-crusted chicken, and fresh summer salads. The rosé versions are particularly excellent with Provençal dishes and seafood.
How does Cinsault age?▼
Cinsault is best enjoyed young to preserve its fresh fruit flavors and floral aromatics. While it can age, it tends to lose its vibrant character over time, developing earthier notes and dried fruit flavors.
Is Cinsault similar to other similar grapes?▼
Cinsault shares similarities with other light red grapes like Grenache in terms of warm climate preference and blending use. Interestingly, it's actually the parent grape of South Africa's Pinotage, having been crossed with Pinot Noir.