Cinsault

It’s easy to be charmed by the characterfulness of humble Cinsault. Widely planted in Southern France, it’s well adapted to heat and capable of high yields, making it more a workhorse than thoroughbred. Cinsault has long been a silent softening partner, and a historically favoured grape alongside Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre in the Southern Rhone. In blends, Cinsault brings perfume and lift, with a finely rasped pink and white peppercorn spice. These lovely, lighter, fresher perfumed qualities are readily apparent when the grape is vinified solo. At higher yields, this is a delightful and gulpable fresh red, ready to be chilled and enjoyed, abundantly. At lower yields, something more serious emerges, with stoniness, wild raspberry and wild herbs interwoven amongst the perfumed lightness.