Cinsault

Cinsault – The elegant team player from the Mediterranean region

Cinsault (also known as Cinsaut) is a traditional grape variety from southern France, which today plays an important role not only in Provence, Languedoc and the Rhône Valley, but also in South Africa, Lebanon and North Africa. Cinsault is particularly popular as a blending partner (e.g. with Grenache or Syrah), but it is also becoming increasingly popular as a light, fragrant red wine or fine rosé.

Soft tannins, mild acidity, a floral aroma and fruity notes of raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate, dried herbs and pepper are typical of Cinsault. In the cuvée, it brings freshness and elegance, vinified solo it impresses with its lightness and accessibility.

🔹 French Cinsault (Provence, Languedoc): Light, fragrant, floral, often as a rosé with red berries and fine spice.
🔹 South African Cinsault: Fresh style, lively fruit, often vinified in natural wines or single vineyards.
🔹 Lebanese Cinsault: Deep, spicy character, powerful and expressive when blended with Carignan or Cabernet.

➡ Which dishes go perfectly with Cinsault? Here are the best combinations!

🥂 Cinsault & dishes – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Fruity rosé cinsault (e.g. from Provence)

Taste: Fresh, fruity, floral, mild and animating.
Typical aromas: raspberry, white blossom, strawberry, pink grapefruit, rosemary.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Summer dishes & light cuisine → Niçoise salad, goat’s cheese crostini, watermelon and feta salad
✔ Grilled fish & seafood → sea bream, tuna steak, prawns
✔ Mediterranean finger food & dips → tapenade, olives, bruschetta

➤ Recommended recipes:
– Goat’s cheese crostini with honey and lavender
– Grilled prawns with rosemary and lemon

2️⃣ Light, fruity red wine from Cinsault (e.g. Languedoc, South Africa)

Taste: Soft, accessible, moderate alcohol, fruity.
Typical aromas: strawberry, sour cherry, pepper, dried herbs.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Vegetarian dishes & Mediterranean cuisine → Ratatouille, eggplant pasta, chickpea salad
✔ Poultry & grilled dishes → Chicken thighs, grilled quail, turkey roulades
✔ Spicy cheeses & tarte flambée → Reblochon, goat’s cheese, savoury vegetable tart

➤ Recommended recipes:
– Aubergine ratatouille with thyme
– Chicken thighs with peppers and cinsault jus

3️⃣ Matured or powerful Cinsault (e.g. Lebanon, South Africa)

Taste: Structured, spicy, complex with depth.
Typical aromas: black cherry, prune, leather, clove, garrigue.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Oriental spiced dishes & tagines → Lamb with dried fruit, ras el hanout, couscous
✔ Stews & rustic dishes → Lentil stew, cassoulet, mushroom ragout
✔ Mature cheese & baked snacks → Gruyère, halloumi, pastilla

➤ Recommended recipes:
– Lamb tagine with apricots and almonds
– Cassoulet with beans, sausage & cinsault

🔍 Cinsault & food pairing at a glance

Cinsault style	Best food pairings
Fruity rosé	Fish, mezze, goat cheese, summer cuisine
Light red wine	Poultry, vegetable dishes, Mediterranean cuisine
Mature, powerful Cinsault	Lamb, oriental, braised dishes, mature cheese

📌 Tip: Cinsault should be served slightly chilled at 14-16 °C as a red wine and at 8-10 °C as a rosé.

🚀 Conclusion: Why Cinsault is a real food all-rounder

Cinsault impresses with its versatility: as a light red wine, elegant rosé or powerful accompaniment to food, it is ideal for Mediterranean, oriental and summer cuisine. A grape variety that impresses gourmets with its finesse and freshness!