Cinsault
Definition - What does Cinsault mean?
Cinsault is a red grape variety that is considered to be a black grape and is one of the most widely planted varieties in Southern France. It thrives in hot and dry climates and is mainly used as a blending grape with Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Its characteristics make wine softer and attribute to the overall aroma of a wine.
The Cinsault grape is also the main grape used for making wine in Morocco.
WineFrog explains Cinsault
It is not known where the grape Cinsault originates, but it is believed to have come from the eastern Mediterranean by early traders.
Cinsault is mainly desired by winemakers for its ability to make wines with harsh tannins soft and add to the complexity of aromas where other wines are lacking. In warmer climates, it is also one of the few grape varieties which can stand up to heat and even long periods of drought.
This grape can be found in South Africa where it is called "Hermitage," also in Algeria, Australia, Italy, Tunisia and in the United States.
