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Wines

Tannat

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • 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

13–15%ABV
DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
Very HighTannin
FullBody

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Tannat?

Tannat is a classic red wine with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins, suitable for a wide range of meals.

Taste profile

Dry sweetnessmedium acidityVery High tanninsFull bodyBlack FruitSpicyFull BodiedTannic
Black Fruit(high)Spicy(low)Full Bodied(medium)Tannic(high)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: Red
  • ABV range: 13–15%
  • Full body
  • Dry sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

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

DinnerSavoury foodRed meatAged cheeseRed

Dietary

How Tannat fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

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.
How strong is Tannat?
Tannat typically has an ABV of 13–15%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
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.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Tannat with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.