Cinsaut

Cinsaut or Cinsault (pronounced "san-so") is a red wine grape, whose heat tolerance and productivity make it important in Languedoc-Roussillon and the former French colonies of Algeria and Morocco. It is often blended with grapes such as Grenache and Carignane to add softness and bouquet.^[1]

It has many synonyms, of which perhaps the most confusing is its sale as a table grape called 'Oeillade', although it is different from the "true" Oeillade which is no longer cultivated. In South Africa, it was known as "Hermitage", hence the name of its most famous cross Pinotage.

History

Cinsault appears to be an ancient variety that may have originated in the Hérault, but could equally have been brought by traders from the eastern Mediterranean.

Distribution and Wines

Algeria

Cinsaut is popular in Algeria for its drought resistance, and is used to make large volumes of wine.

Australia

Cinsaut is grown under a variety of names such as Black Prince, Blue Imperial, Oeillade and Ulliade

France

Cinsaut is the fourth most widely-planted grape variety in France, and is especially important in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Italy

Known as Ottavianello, there is one tiny DOC devoted to Cinsaut - Ostuni Ottavianello, with a total production of less than 1000 cases.^[2] However, Cinsaut has long been used in Puglian blends, and has begun to attract the attention of winemakers interested in reviving old varieties.^[3]

Lebanon

Cinsaut is an important component in the blend of Lebanon's most famous wine, Chateau Musar.

Morocco

As in Algeria, Cinsaut is popular in Morocco for its drought resistance.

South Africa

A lot of Cinsaut is grown in South Africa under the name Hermitage, much of which is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. It holds a special place in the country's viticulture as one of the parents of Pinotage.

USA

Some Cinsaut is planted in California as Black Malvoisie.

Vine and Viticulture

The vine can produce heavy crops, but wines are much better if yields are controlled. Cinsaut is very drought resistant but can be susceptible to disease, so appreciates a dry climate. It produces large cylindrical bunches of black grapes with fairly thick skins.

Synonyms

Black Malvoisie, Blue Imperial, Bourdales Kek, Budales, Calabre, Chainette, Cincout, Cinq-sao, Cinquien, Cinsanet, Cinsault, Cubilier, Cubillier, Cuviller, Espagne, Espagnol, Froutignan, Grappu De La Dordogne, Hermitage, Malaga Kek, Marocain, Maurange, Mavro Kara Melkii, Milhau, Morterille Noire, Moustardier Noir, Navarro, Negru De Sarichioi, Oeillade Noire, Ottavianello, Ottaviano, Ottavinello, Pampous, Papadou, Passerille, Pedaire, Picardan Noir, Piquepoul D'Uzes, Pis De Chevre, Plant D Arles Boudales, Plant D'Arles, Plant De Broqui, Plant De Broquies, Poupe De Crabe, Pousse De Chevre Rouge, Prunaley, Prunelas, Prunella, Prunellas Noir, Salerne, Samson, Senso, Sensu, Strum, Takopulo Kara, Ulliaou, West's White Prolific,^[4] Black Prince, Boudales, Oeillade, Picardin noir and Ulliade.

References