Cinsault (or Cinsaut) is an aromatic and juicy red wine grape with low tannin, floral notes and great food-friendliness. At Vinhanen We select Cinsault wines that show the grape's light and elegant potential – ideal for wine bars, restaurants and gastronomic concepts that want wine with edge, but without heaviness.
Originating from the South of France, Cinsault is one of the classic Rhône grapes. It is often used in blends with Grenache, Syrah and Carignan – but in recent years the grape has also emerged solo in both red and rosé. It is primarily grown in Languedoc, Provence and South Africa, but is also found in Lebanon and North Africa, where it thrives in hot, dry climates.
Cinsault requires gentle vinification to bring out its bright, pure fruit aromas. It is often vinified with short skin contact and without casks, which preserves freshness and aromatic intensity. The result is wines that are light, juicy and easy to drink – with great appeal at the bar and at the table.
Typical aromas of Cinsault include red berries such as strawberries and raspberries, flowers (rose petals, violets), herbs and a touch of spice. The wines are light in color and rarely have a heavy structure or high alcohol content. The acidity is moderate to fresh, and the tannins are mild – making the wine perfect for serving slightly chilled.
Cinsault's light body and fruity character make it suitable for a variety of serving situations. It is an excellent alternative to Pinot Noir and Gamay, and works both as an aperitif and with dishes where you want a wine with finesse rather than power.
At Vinhanen you will find Cinsault wines from small producers who work organically and with low intervention. We offer the wine both on bottle and as cask wine in Keykeg – a solution that ensures maximum freshness and minimal wine waste. Cinsault's lightness and aromatic strength make it particularly suitable for serving from kegs in both glasses and decanters.
The wine's floral and fresh style is perfectly preserved in closed barrel systems. It requires no oxygenation, tolerates refrigeration and performs consistently glass after glass – making it ideal for professional, high-flow serving.
Cinsault is incredibly food-friendly and works with everything from light dishes to spicy cuisine. Its fruity and smooth style makes it a crowd favorite – especially when served slightly chilled.
Cinsault is a red wine grape from the South of France, known for light, fruity wines with low tannins and floral aromas. It is used both in blends and as a single grape in elegant red and rosé wines.
Cinsault tastes of red berries such as strawberries and raspberries, with floral notes and mild spice. The wine is light in body, has low tannins and a refreshing acidity.
Yes – Cinsault tastes great at 12–14 °C. Its low tannin and high fruit intensity make it suitable for light cooling, especially on warm days or for serving at lunch.
Absolut – Cinsault performs excellently in cask. The wine's fruity and floral style remains stable, and it is easy to serve without the need for aeration or decanting.
