The southern softener
Cinsault
A heat-loving red that brings perfume, softness, and pale rosé charm to the wines of southern France.
The Grape
Cinsault is a red grape of southern France valued for its low tannin, bright red fruit, and floral perfume. It softens GSM-style blends, makes pale, fragrant rosé in Provence and the Languedoc, and increasingly stands alone as a light, juicy red.
History & Origins
Long a workhorse of the Midi and a key rosé grape, Cinsault is one parent (with Pinot Noir) of South Africa's Pinotage. Old-vine Cinsault is now sought after for elegant, lighter reds.
Flavour Profile
Soft, perfumed, and red-fruited.
Southern French Red & Rosé
Strawberry, red cherry, rose, white pepper
Light-bodied and low in tannin, with fresh red fruit and floral perfume — gentle and refreshing in reds, delicate and pale in rosé.
What to Pair It With
Cinsault's lightness suits warm-weather dining.
Grilled Vegetables
Red fruit and freshness flatter charred vegetables.
Mediterranean Salads
A natural match for a Provençal rosé.
Charcuterie
Soft tannins suit cured meats.
Where the Best Comes From
Cinsault thrives across the Mediterranean south.
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