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Red grape

Cinsault

Also known as Cinsaut · Ottavianello

Saved references

A southern red variety valued for fragrance, supple fruit and its role in rosé and blends. Carefully handled varietal reds can have detail without deep colour or heavy extraction.

Aromatic palette

StrawberryRaspberryCherryRoseHerbs

red cherry · raspberry · strawberry · rose · soft spice · herbs

Read the structure.

acidityUsually moderate
tanninUsually low to moderate
bodyLight to medium; fuller blends exist
alcoholUsually moderate; higher with very ripe harvests

What could you confuse it with?

Gamay, Pinot Noir and light Grenache can overlap. Pale colour and red fruit need to be checked against acidity, tannin and alcohol.

Origins & family

Origin

Probably Provence, southern France.

In the vineyard

Drought resistance is useful in warm regions. It is productive and can lose concentration at excessive yields; wood disease and rot remain relevant vulnerabilities.

Growing season

Mid-season ripening and useful drought tolerance suit Mediterranean vineyards.

Vineyard sensitivities

Grey rot, mites and trunk diseases can affect vines; high yields dilute concentration.

Site & soils

Dry, low-fertility sites help contain yields and retain fruit concentration.

Regional expressions

France

Provence

A frequent rosé component, contributing delicate fruit within blends.

Structure

Light to medium body with low tannin after gentle pressing.

At the table

8–11°C; assess the finished blend rather than the grape alone.

Explore Provence
France

Languedoc

Both red blends and fragrant varietal reds, alongside rosé.

Structure

Often supple and medium-bodied when extraction is restrained.

At the table

12–15°C for fresher reds.

Explore Languedoc
South Africa

Swartland

Varietal wines can explore fragrant red fruit and supple texture, including old-vine examples.

Structure

Light-medium to medium-full depending on harvest and extraction.

At the table

14–16°C in a broad glass.

Explore Swartland
Chile

Itata

Fresh red fruit, floral detail and pepper can appear in old-vine Cinsault; Viejas Tinajas Tinto 2024 is an exact reference.

Structure

The documented wine has lively acidity and fine tannin; extraction affects grip.

At the table

Serve a fresh example lightly cool and match its actual weight to the dish.

Explore Itata

Cellar & service

Winemaking & development

Gentle extraction preserves fragrance and modest tannin. Direct pressing or short maceration can create rosé; blending may add structure from other grapes.

Service & ageing

12–15°C for lighter reds, 8–11°C for rosé. A slight chill can emphasise freshness while keeping the perfume accessible.

Pairing logic

Charcuterie, grilled vegetables, poultry, lightly spiced dishes and Mediterranean salads suit the lighter styles.