Cinsaut (sin-SO)

Southern French grape that, today, is grown all over the south of France and in the southern Rhône; most frequently used in blends, where it adds a slight spiciness. It can also be found in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. In South Africa, where it was confusingly called Hermitage, it was used as one of the parents (with pinot noir) to create pinotage. Sometimes spelled cinsault.