Grape · Southern France / North Africa
Cinsault
san-SO
The blending peacemaker
Pale, perfumed, low-tannin red used in Provençal rosé, in GSM blends, and — increasingly — bottled alone as a chillable, floral red.
- strawberry
- rose
- watermelon
- spice
- dust
Profile
Bodylow
Acidmedium
Tanninlow
Sugardry
Cinsault was the grape of Algerian bulk and of South African cuttings (it is a parent of Pinotage). Old bush vines in the Languedoc, Swartland, and Lebanon now make some of the most delicious light reds on the market.
It is allowed to be pretty. Serve it cool. Do not extract it like Syrah.
Picnic food, grilled vegetables, and a slight chill.
At the table
Service
52–57 °F (11–14 °C).
