Cinsault, also known as Cinsaut, plays a crucial role in the red wine blends of Southern France as well as the Pinotage wines of South Africa. In France, it is used as a blending grape in the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence regions as well as the Southern Rhone. According to our Cinsault wine guide, its main function is to add softness and aromatics to these Grenache, Syrah and Carignan blends. It is fairly low in tannins, yet high in fruit character and acidity making it better suited as a blending varietal. Our Cinsault wine reviews also illustrate its importance in the South African wine region. Pinotage, one of the most widely planted varietals in the country, is actually a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault. These wines tend to have a red berry characteristic with notes of spice and earth. While you may find some Cinsault bottled on its own, its role in the red blends and Pinotage wines of South Africa is most prominent in our Cinsault wine ratings.