Cinsaut (also known as Cinsault) is a red grape varietal originating from Provence, France. It's known for producing lighter and more perfumed wines and is often used as a blending grape, primarily with Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah. The wines made from Cinsaut often have a medium body, soft and fruity characteristics, with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Some may also have a hint of spiciness or pepper. This varietal also produces a vibrant rose wine.
The Cinsaut vine is resistant to drought and adapts well to various soils, but is susceptible to pests, making its cultivation somewhat problematic. It is grown throughout the Rhone Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon in France and is also planted in parts of California, South Africa, and other regions around the world.
In recent years, Cinsaut has started to gain more recognition as a standalone varietal wine, noted for its freshness and drinkability as well as its potential for making more complex, aged wines.