
Cinsault originates from southern France, and is one of the parents of Pinotage (the other being Pinot Noir). It is the most widely planted grape in Morocco and can also be found in Italy, South Africa, California and the Lebanon. Cinsault needs a warm climate to ripen and if grown sensitively can produce soft, flavoursome wines with great potential for ageing. It is also used to make fresh and fruity rosés. Cinsault is often blended with Carignan to soften out its harshness, and the two together can make wonderfully balanced wines with great structure.