How do you tell Cinsault and Pinot Noir apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Cinsault and Pinot Noir is acidity: Cinsault is Medium while Pinot Noir is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Cinsault or Pinot Noir higher in acidity?

On the WSET ladder, Cinsault is Medium and Pinot Noir is Medium(+) for acidity.

Are Cinsault and Pinot Noir red or white?

Cinsault and Pinot Noir are both red grape varieties.

Cinsault vs Pinot Noir — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Cinsault	Pinot Noir
Acidity	Medium	Medium(+)
Tannin	Low	Low
Body	Medium(−)	Medium
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Medium	Pale
Aromatic intensity	Medium(+)	Medium(+)

Signature aromas

Cinsault

strawberryred cherryrose

Pinot Noir

red cherrycranberrymushroom

Common questions

How do you tell Cinsault and Pinot Noir apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Cinsault and Pinot Noir is acidity: Cinsault is Medium while Pinot Noir is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Cinsault or Pinot Noir higher in acidity?: On the WSET ladder, Cinsault is Medium and Pinot Noir is Medium(+) for acidity.
Are Cinsault and Pinot Noir red or white?: Cinsault and Pinot Noir are both red grape varieties.