The Cinsault
Grape
A red grape variety widely grown in the south of France and used in blends in the Rhône Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon. It produces light, aromatic wines with soft tannins and flavors of red berries and spice. Cinsault is also important in the production of rosé wines, adding freshness and fruitiness.
Cinsault
Grape History
Cinsault is a lesser-known but highly versatile grape variety that has made significant contributions to the world of wine. Believed to have originated in the southern Rhône Valley of France, Cinsault has a long and storied history dating back to the 19th century. It is often used as a blending grape due to its ability to soften and add complexity to wines.
One of the key characteristics of Cinsault is its ability to thrive in warm, dry climates, making it a popular choice in regions such as the Mediterranean, South Africa, and parts of the United States. It is commonly found in blends, where it adds softness, fruitiness, and a touch of elegance. Cinsault is also known for its ability to produce light, fresh rosé wines with vibrant acidity and delicate floral notes.
In terms of wine styles, Cinsault is typically used in blends to complement other grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre in the Southern Rhône blends, where it adds both structure and fruitiness. In South Africa, Cinsault is often bottled as a standalone varietal wine, showcasing its ability to produce light, approachable red wines with a unique character.
While Cinsault may not have the same level of recognition as other grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, its versatility and ability to thrive in various growing conditions make it a grape to watch in the future. As consumers continue to seek out unique and interesting wines, Cinsault’s potential to produce high-quality, food-friendly wines at a good value may help propel it into the spotlight.
In conclusion, Cinsault is a grape variety with a rich history and a promising future in the world of wine. Its ability to adapt to different climates and produce a range of styles from fresh rosés to elegant red blends makes it a versatile and exciting grape variety to explore. Whether it's blended with other grapes or bottled as a standalone varietal, Cinsault offers a distinctive character that continues to captivate wine enthusiasts around the world.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel