With origins in the South, Cinsault is the 4th most planted red grape variety in France. It is used in blends in many southern French wines: Provence (Bandol), Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras), Languedoc (Costières de Nîmes). Very early ripening, this variety is very resistant to big yields and overly rich soils and when cultivated in such conditions produces a low alcohol, low acidity wine with little ageing potential. However, when yields are below 40hl/ha and cultivated on poor soil, the result is a fresh and delicately aromatic wine with notes of red fruit, almonds and hazelnuts.
