Wines
Tannat
Wine style and varietal guide
- Red
- Red • Dry
- 13–15% ABV
- Full body
- Dry sweetness
- medium acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
- ✓You enjoy firm tannins and structured red wines.
- ✓You want a full-bodied, rich wine to pair with hearty food.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
- ✗You prefer smooth, low-tannin or white wines.
- ✗You prefer lighter, more delicate wine styles.
At a Glance
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Tannat?
Taste profile
Sensory profile
- Style: Red
- ABV range: 13–15%
- Full body
- Dry sweetness
- Body
- Full
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Acidity
- medium
- Tannin
- Very High
- Black Fruit · high intensity — Tannat commonly shows dark fruit character.
- Spicy · low intensity — Tannat can show spice character.
- Full Bodied · medium intensity — Tannat is commonly full-bodied.
- Tannic · high intensity — Tannat is strongly associated with high tannin.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Tannat
- Region(s)
- Madiran, Uruguay
- Country
- France / Uruguay
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Skin contact
- Extended red-wine skin contact
How it’s made
- Method
- Red wine made from Tannat grapes, fermented on skins for very high tannin and deep colour; ageing and oxygen management soften structure.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Standard wine glass
When to serve
Dietary
How Tannat fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- AglianicoBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); full body.
- Alicante BouschetBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); full body.
- LagreinBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); full body.
- Petit VerdotBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); full body.
- PrioratBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); full body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
About this drink
Tannat has value on WhatDrink as a wine style because its history helps explain region, grape identity, body, acidity, sweetness, tannin and pairing behavior. The page should use that context to help users choose drinks, not to present unrelated wine trivia.
How to compare
How to compare Tannat
Compare this wine by tannin, body and food weight first. Firm styles usually work better with richer dishes than with very delicate meals.
When to choose it
When to choose Tannat
Choose Tannat when its body, acidity, tannin and sweetness fit the dish. It has 4 structured pairing matches to help compare food options.
Skip if
Skip Tannat if...
Skip Tannat if you want a very soft or delicate wine. Firmer tannin usually works better with richer food than with light dishes.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Tannat?
- Tannat is a classic red wine with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins, suitable for a wide range of meals.
- What does Tannat taste like?
- Tannat is often described as Black Fruit, Spicy, Full Bodied, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Tannat?
- Tannat pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese Board, Roast Meat, Steak. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- When should I drink Tannat?
- Tannat works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Tannat?
- If you enjoy Tannat, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Tannat improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Tannat depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.