Ottavianello

Also known as Cinsault, Cinsaut, Ottavianello di Ostuni.

Ottavianello is the Puglian name for the red grape known in France as Cinsault, to which it is ampelographically identical. It has been grown for centuries around Ostuni, the 'Città Bianca' in the province of Brindisi, where it gives the denomination its varietal red, Ostuni Ottavianello.

Ottavianello produces light-bodied, pale reds — sometimes closer to a deep rosato — of cerasuolo-to-light-ruby color with fresh red-fruit and floral character and modest tannins, made for early drinking.