Cinsaut
RedCinsaut is an underrated Mediterranean variety that thrives in warm, dry climates, producing soft, fruity reds and characterful roses. Native to southern France, it played a crucial role in creating South Africa's Pinotage through crossing with Pinot Noir.
Key Characteristics
- •Excellent drought tolerance
- •Large berries with thin skins
- •Soft tannins and low acidity
- •Late budding, mid ripening
- •Susceptible to wood diseases
Typical Flavors
Major Regions
Languedoc-Roussillon · Provence · Southern Rhone · South Africa · Morocco · Lebanon
Also Known As
Black Malvoisie · Cinsault · Hermitage · Ottavianello · Picardan Noir
Overview
Origins & History
Cinsaut is a variety from southern France, most likely originating in the Languedoc-Roussillon or Provence. The earliest mention appeared as Marroquin in the writings of Olivier de Serres (1600) or possibly Magnol (1676). The modern spelling Cinsaut did not appear until 1888. The origin of the name is unknown. The variety belongs to the Piquepoul ampelographic group, all members of which originate from Vaucluse in Provence or from Languedoc-Roussillon. DNA analysis suggests a possible parent-offspring relationship with Rivairenc, also from Languedoc-Roussillon. Cinsaut was significantly more popular in France in the 1970s, when plantings exceeded 50,000 hectares. The variety was officially encouraged as a replacement for lower-quality varieties like Aramon Noir. In the 1950s and 1960s, large volumes of Cinsaut wine were imported from Algeria (then part of France) to strengthen weaker Burgundies. The variety has an old presence in Italy, where DNA profiling confirmed that Grecau, recorded in Sicily by Cupani in 1696, is identical to Cinsaut. It is also known as Ottavianello in Puglia. In South Africa, where it was known as Hermitage, Cinsaut was crossed with Pinot Noir to create Pinotage in 1925.
Genetic Lineage
Cinsaut is a member of the Piquepoul ampelographic group from southern France. DNA analysis suggests a possible parent-offspring relationship with Rivairenc from Languedoc-Roussillon. It is a parent of the South African variety Pinotage.
Parents
DNA parentage analysis based on twenty-three markers suggests a possible parent-offspring relationship with Rivairenc, but this needs confirmation with more markers.
Notable Offspring
South Africa's signature variety, created in 1925 by Abraham Perold at Stellenbosch. Named after its parents Pinot Noir and Hermitage (the South African name for Cinsaut).
Clonal Selection
Origin: France
One of the earliest certified clones. Part of the core selection for quality-focused production.
Origin: France
Early certified clone. Complements other selections in the French program.
Origin: France
Early certified clone. Part of the foundational selection group.
Origin: France
Part of the expanded certified clone selection. Quality-focused with controlled vigor.
Origin: France
Later selection in the ENTAV program. Improved characteristics for southern French conditions.
Origin: South Africa
Heritage material from old Cape vineyards. Low-yielding old vines produce concentrated wines. These represent some of South Africa's most valuable viticultural resources for quality production.
Disease Profile
Cinsaut is generally delicate but copes well with heat and drought. It is not especially vigorous and the wood ages quickly. The variety is fertile and productive, but requires poor, dry soils to limit yields and produce quality wine. Under fertile conditions, yields are excessive and wine quality suffers. Late budding and mid ripening. Big bunches with big berries.
Susceptibilities
Cinsaut is notably susceptible to esca, a devastating trunk disease. The wood ages quickly, making older vines particularly vulnerable.
Susceptible to eutypa, another trunk disease that enters through pruning wounds.
Susceptible to grape moths, requiring monitoring and treatment in affected regions.
Can suffer from mite infestations.
Resistances
Very resistant to drought, well-suited to the hot, dry conditions of the Mediterranean climate.
Resistant to browning of the leaves.
Terroir Preferences
Typical of southern France's best Cinsaut sites. Poor, dry soils stress vines appropriately, controlling yields and concentrating flavors. The variety thrives in these conditions.
Well-drained soils force roots deep and control vigor. Produces more aromatic, perfumed wines suited for rose production.
Weathered schist soils in Swartland provide excellent drainage and vine stress. Old bushvines on these soils produce concentrated, complex wines.
Can cause chlorosis in Cinsaut if limestone content is too high. Requires careful site selection on calcareous soils.
Regional Expressions
The historical heartland of Cinsaut in France. Used primarily in blends with Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah. Some producers make excellent 100% Cinsaut reds that are soft, fruity, and aromatic in youth but surprisingly long-lived. Also ideally suited for fresh, perfumed rose wines.
Notable producers: Domaine des Terres Falmet, Domaine d'Aupilhac
A key variety for Provence rose production. Contributes fruit and freshness to blends. The Var department has significant plantings. A conservatory with about 100 clones was planted in Cotes de Provence in 2006.
One of the permitted varieties in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, though contribution is generally limited to around 5%. Adds freshness and aromatic lift to blends dominated by Grenache.
Once South Africa's most planted red variety, losing the top position to Cabernet Sauvignon only in 1993. About 2,200 hectares remain, mostly in Paarl, Breedekloof, and Malmesbury. Old vines in Swartland are increasingly valued for fine wines. Historically known as Hermitage and used to create Pinotage.
Notable producers: Adi Badenhorst, Mullineux, Sadie Family
Still the most widely planted variety in Morocco. The variety's drought resistance makes it well-suited to North African conditions. Used for both red wines and roses.
Probably the third most planted wine grape after Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Has long played an important role in Chateau Musar's legendary blends.
Notable producers: Chateau Musar
Known as Ottavianello in Puglia since at least the 19th century. Appears in the tiny Ostuni DOC as a generally light varietal wine. About 290 hectares in Italy as of 2000.