Cinsault grape variety

Cinsault is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in southern France, particularly in Languedoc-Roussillon, where it most likely originated. It is heat-resistant and produces wines with a light body, low tannins and a rather light colour. Typical flavours are red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry, often surrounded by floral tones. Cinsault is often blended with stronger grape varieties such as Carignan, Grenache or Syrah. It is also an important component of many rosés from Provence, contributing fruit and freshness - but is also an authorised component of the classic cuvée in Châteauneuf du Pape. On its own, it goes well with lighter dishes such as grilled vegetables, white meat or Mediterranean dishes. Cinsault is ready to drink very young, but still shows surprising ageing potential.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Cinsault wine

What does a typical red wine made from the Cinsault grape variety taste like?

A wine made from Cinsault is usually light red in the glass and is stylistically reminiscent of a very fruity, light Pinot Noir. It is known for its smoothness and extremely pleasant mouthfeel without any hard edges.

What flavours are characteristic of the Cinsault grape variety?

On the nose, Cinsault is a veritable basket of red fruits: strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate dominate. It is often accompanied by floral notes such as violets and a very subtle spiciness of dried herbs or black tea.

What is the structure of tannin and acidity in the Cinsault grape variety?

The Cinsault grape has a relatively thin skin, which results in a low tannin content. The acidity is lively but well integrated, which makes the wine very "drinkable" and fresh, even if it comes from hot growing regions.

Is it true that the Cinsault grape variety is a parent of Pinotage?

Excellent watch out! The Pinotage grape variety was bred in South Africa in 1925 - a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (which was called "Hermitage" there at the time). The aim was to combine the elegance of Pinot Noir with the resilience of the Cinsault grape.

Why does the Cinsault grape variety play such an important role in rosé wines?

Because of its light colour and pronounced fruitiness, the Cinsault grape is one of the most important varieties for the famous Provence rosé. It gives these wines the desired elegance, lightness and bouquet of fresh summer fruit.

Where are the most important growing areas for the Cinsault grape variety?

The historical heart of the Cinsault grape beats in the south of France (Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence). But we also find excellent stocks in South Africa, Lebanon (famous in Chateau Musar) and increasingly in Chile.

Which climate and soils does the Cinsault grape variety prefer?

The Cinsault grape is a true survivor in hot, dry climates. It is extremely heat-resistant and requires very little water. It thrives best on poor soils such as limestone or slate, as these slow down the vine's natural urge to produce high yields.

What food goes best with a red wine from the Cinsault grape variety?

Thanks to its lightness, a red Cinsault is extremely versatile. It goes perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine: think ratatouille, grilled chicken with Provençal herbs, pizza or even slightly spicy Asian dishes. It is one of the few red wines that does not compete with spices.

How does the Cinsault grape variety differ from Grenache?

Although the two are often blended together, Cinsault is usually lighter in alcohol than Grenache, has a lighter colour and appears more floral. Where Grenache often brings warmth and fullness, Cinsault contributes freshness and perfume.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, or Pinot Noir, is a red grape variety that is widely grown around the world today and is also the basis for some of the rarest and most exquisite wines in the world. The variety has a very long tradition of excellence, particularly in France (especially in Burgundy) and Germany (in the Ahr and Baden regions).

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety grown mainly in southern France and Spain (where it is known as Garnacha). The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with low tannins and high acidity.

Gamay

Gamay is a red grape variety that is mainly cultivated in the French region of Beaujolais. The wines are light to medium-bodied, with low tannins and lively acidity. Gamay wines show flavours of red fruits such as strawberry, red cherry or raspberry, complemented by floral notes.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in central Italy. Its wines are full-bodied, rich in extract, with strong alcohol and moderate acidity. They typically show flavours of dark fruits such as plums and cherries, often complemented by spicy or tobacco notes.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is one of Italy's great noble grape varieties. It is mainly cultivated in Piedmont. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with extremely strong tannins, usually very rough when young, and high acidity. Nebbiolo wines typically show flavours of red fruits such as plum, cherry and red berries, accompanied by more edgy tones such as tobacco and leather.

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a red grape variety that originates from Bordeaux, but is now mainly cultivated in Australia and South America due to its high climatic requirements. The wines are full-bodied, with high tannins and high acidity.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originated in the French Loire Valley and is known for its versatility. Chenin can be vinified both dry and sweet, still and sparkling. Its flavour is characterised by high acidity and lots of fruit such as green apple, pear or quince, often complemented by honey notes. Depending on the terroir and vinification, the grape can also show both mineral and floral tones.

Furmint

Hardly any other grape variety is as closely associated with a country and its most famous wine as Furmint is with Hungary and Tokaj. The white variety is considered the heart and soul of the legendary sweet wine - and is also experiencing a remarkable renaissance as a dry wine.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, is a white grape variety grown in many wine regions such as France, Italy and Germany.

Gewürztraminer

Hardly any other grape variety polarises as much as Gewürztraminer. Its name alone reveals what it is all about: intensity, spice and an unmistakable spectrum of flavours ranging from lychee, bitter orange and rose petals to marzipan. It is not a subtle wine, nor is it meant to be. Some like it, others reject the cloud of flavours.

Riesling

Riesling is one of the best-known white grape varieties and is cultivated all over the world - first and foremost in Germany, of course. It is more flexible and versatile than almost any other grape.

Scheurebe

in 1916, the Swiss vine researcher Georg Scheu bred a new variety at the State Institute for Vine Breeding in Alzey, which he initially thought was a cross between Riesling and Silvaner.

You can find information on other grape varieties here.