Cinsault Delivery or Pickup

Cinsault is a red wine grape. For centuries, growers have cultivated their vines in the southern coastal region of France, including Languedoc-Roussillon. Cinsault grapes ripen early and deliver generous yields.

Cinsault unfolds to reveal itself as a crisp, aromatic, and refreshing wine. Its primary flavor profile delivers floral notes with a hint of dried fruits, such as raspberry, red currant, tart cherry, violet, and an undercurrent of black tea.

This variety of grape is tolerant of extremely hot, dry climates. This characteristic explains why farmers widely planted these vines throughout Africa and the Middle East. It also found much of its success with the Pinotage wines from Algeria, Lebanon, and Morocco.

Pinotage is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the area. It was made in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. This creation resulted in South Africa's signature grape variety, Pinotage, which tends to have a red berry characteristic with earthy, spicy notes. If you're interested in trying this type of wine, order a bottle of Neethlingshof Pinotage through Instacart and have it delivered to your home in as little as 2 hours!

Cinsault's classic pairing is with escargot in garlic. If sea snails don't sound appetizing, this type of wine also complements other rich foods. Serve it with smoked salmon fillets, beef Bourguignon, lamb stews, roasted goat, or beef. It also pairs well with all types of poultry, including duck, due to its spicy, fruity, and smoky characteristics. Chill your Cinsault for at least 20 minutes and serve between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

While you may find the occasional bottle of single varietal Cinsault, vineyards rarely bottle it on its own. Its low tannin levels, fruity character, strong aromatic quality, and high acidity make it well suited for blending. Traditionally, its primary purpose is to add softness and bouquet to other grapes, such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan.

Cinsault is also one of only 13 grape varieties used to make the legendary Chateauneuf-du-Pape collection of wines. If there's one French wine that should be on your must-try list, this is it. This memorable blend out of the Rhone Valley incorporates as much as 5% Cinsault grapes.

Tavel, in the Southern Rhone Valley, is France's original wine-producing region. Cinsault also adds a fruity bouquet to this area's iconic Rosés. It produces a different kind of pink, as this red grape is a few shades darker. Vineyards often use it in the production of Provencal Rosés as well, such as Domaine De Bendel Cotes De Provence Rosé.

Follow these few simple recommendations for picking out the best Cinsault blend for you.