Tannat

Tannat is a bold and structured red grape variety celebrated for its deep colour, robust tannins, and exceptional ageing potential. While historically associated with Southwest France, particularly the Madiran region, Tannat has gained international acclaim, especially in Uruguay, where it has become the country’s signature grape. Known for its power and complexity, Tannat produces wines that are as versatile as they are distinctive.

Tannat’s origins lie in Southwest France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Its name is derived from the French word “tannin,” reflecting the grape’s naturally high tannin levels. In France, Tannat is the cornerstone of Madiran AOC wines, often blended with softer varieties to balance its intensity. In the 19th century, Tannat was introduced to Uruguay by Basque immigrants, where it flourished in the warmer climate. Today, it is regarded as Uruguay’s national grape, producing softer, more approachable expressions than its French counterparts.

Tannat is also grown in several other wine regions worldwide, with notable plantings in the United States, primarily California, Texas, and Virginia, where it thrives in warm climates. Small but growing plantings are also in Argentina and Brazil, as well as warm regions like South Australia, where they produce bold, ripe styles.

Winemakers have embraced techniques to tame Tannat’s intense tannins, such as micro-oxygenation, barrel ageing, and blending with softer varieties like Merlot or Cabernet Franc. In Uruguay, where the climate produces riper grapes, Tannat is often vinified in a softer, fruit-forward style, making it more approachable in its youth.

Aromas

The aromatic profile of Tannat is rich and inviting. It features dark fruits like black cherry and blueberry and spice notes of clove, nutmeg, and black pepper. The wine also has earthy undertones of leather, graphite, and dried herbs.

Flavours

Tannat wines are celebrated for their bold and complex flavour profile, which features blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum up front and secondary notes of liquorice, black pepper, and dark chocolate. Tertiary flavours of tobacco, leather, and earthy spices are found in aged wines.

Tannins and Body

Tannat has exceptionally high tannin levels, making it one of the most tannic red grape varieties. It is full-bodied, with a dense and powerful mouthfeel.

Cool v Warm climate

Tannat’s thick skins and high tannins make it highly adaptable, though its expression varies significantly between cool and warm climates:

Cool-climate wines have red fruits like cranberry and sour cherry, with herbal and mineral notes. Higher acidity gives the wine a fresher, leaner profile, but the more pronounced and angular tannins often require time to soften. The wines are structured and austere, with moderate alcohol levels. You will find these wines in higher-altitude vineyards in France or cooler regions in the United States.

Warm-climate wines have ripe black fruits like blackberry, plum, and fig, with hints of chocolate and spice. The acidity is balanced, complementing the wine’s richness, and the tannins are softer and more integrated, creating a plush texture. The wines are bold, fruit-driven wines with higher alcohol and rounder tannins. You will find these wines in Uruguay, Texas, and Argentina.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Tannat.

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