Cinsaut or Cinsault is a red wine grape whose heat tolerance and productivity make it important in Languedoc-Roussillon and the former French colonies of Algeria, Lebanon, and Morocco. It is often blended with grapes such as Grenache and Carignan to add softness and bouquet.
Cinsaut in Viala & Vermorel
Cinsaut growing in the Côtes du Luberon
Cinsaut vines.
Grenache or Garnacha is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain, where the grape is believed to have originated. It is also grown in the Italian island of Sardinia, the south of France, Australia, and California's Monterey AVA, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County and San Joaquin Valley.
Grenache noir in Viala & Vermorel
Grenache noir grapes
The strong wood canopy of Grenache allows it to thrive in a windy climate but also makes mechanical harvesting and pruning difficult.
The thin skin and lack of coloring phenolic compounds makes Grenache a useful variety for the production of pale rosé