Cinsault vs Counoise
Cinsault
A pale, low-tannin red grape known for red berries and floral notes, common in southern French rosé and red blends.
- Pale color
- Low tannin
- Red berry
Recognize it
Pale color with soft tannin and a light to medium body. Strawberry and raspberry come first, with a floral lift, and the wine feels gentle rather than grippy.
Counoise
A late-ripening southern Rhône black grape with very low tannin and peppery red fruit, kept in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends for lift.
- Red cherry
- White pepper
- Light body
Recognize it
Light body with very low tannin and medium to high acidity. Red cherry and white pepper lead. Its relatively high acidity and low tannin can add freshness to southern Rhône blends.
How they compare
- SimilarBoth can lighten blends and are low in tannin.
- DifferenceCinsault is more floral; Counoise is pepperier and higher in acidity.