The cinsault grape variety, originally from the south of France and spelt with an “l” there, is not frequently encountered in the Australian market as a single variety. It has a possible place however as a less weighty and heady grenache alternative, and indeed it is more commonly blended with grenache. This particular cinsault wine is from Craven in Stellenbosch in South Africa, the wines of which are more commonly seen in the UK market than locally. It is pale in colour, with aromas and flavours of crisp red fruits. The palate is medium to full bodied, and the alcohol is modest at 12.0, a level seldom encountered with grenache. Craven’s cinsault is an early drinking style that can be enjoyed now. Review Rating: Good (★★★, 88 points). Website: Craven Wines. Tasted: May 2024.
