What is Cinsaut?
Old Vine Cinsaut clusters right before harvest at Bechthold Vineyard
Cinsaut (sin-soh) also spelled “Cinsault” is a red wine grape varietal that thrives in the hot and sunny climate of Southern France and typically goes into red wine blends in Southern Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence. It is one of the permitted minor grapes in the Châteauneuf Du Pape blend.
In California, Cinsaut thrives in the Lodi region of San Joaquin Valley as well as along parts of the Central Coast. Due to Phylloxera in the late 19th century which destroyed almost all vineyards in Europe, the world’s oldest planting of Cinsaut can be found at Bechthold Vineyard, planted in 1886 by Joseph Spenker in the Mokelumne River area of Lodi.
Cinsaut produces red wines with aromatic and floral qualities and if well-made are typically smooth with subtle tannins. Primary flavors include raspberry, dark currants and hints of smokiness or even game meats in some cases.
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What does Cinsaut wine taste like?
Wines made from Cinsaut typically have smooth tannins and are dominated by dark cherry, red currant and strawberry flavors. Subtle hints of spice, smoked meats and black pepper are also common. This is a wine that is all about soaking in the Provençal sun.
What food pairs well with Cinsaut?
A well-made Cinsaut is extremely versatile in food pairings. Its Provençal and Mediterranean roots make it an easy pairing for dishes such as ratatouille, boeuf bourguignon or a niçoise salad. However anything that is rich such as roasted lamb, braised pork, grilled sausages or duck matches well. The traditional French pairing is with escargot.
Red currants are part of the flavor profile of Cinsaut
What makes old vine Cinsaut special?
Our winemaker, Greg La Follette goes over some history on the Cinsaut grape and talks about the world’s oldest Cinsaut at the Bechthold Vineyard in the Mokelumne River AVA of Lodi and our Cinsaut wine made from the vineyard.