Tannat
Tannat (/taˈnat/) is a red wine grape variety most closely associated with the Madiran appellation of southwest France and the vineyards of Uruguay. The name is thought to derive from the word *tanné*, reflecting the grape’s notably high tannin levels.[1]
Background
Tannat originated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where it became the principal grape of Madiran in Gascony.[2] The grape’s resilience and capacity for long-lived wines gave it a central role in the region’s winemaking traditions. During the 19th century, emigrants introduced it to South America, where it took root in Uruguay. Today, Uruguay cultivates Tannat as its national grape and has redefined its international reputation.[3] Plantings are also found in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, particularly in California.
Characteristics
Tannat is characterised by thick-skinned berries and compact bunches, resulting in deeply coloured wines with high levels of phenolics and tannins.[4] The vine thrives in warm, sunny climates and is adaptable to various soils, though it achieves particular intensity in the clay and limestone slopes of southwest France. Wines typically exhibit robust tannic structure, elevated acidity, and flavours ranging from dark fruit to notes of spice and tobacco.
Use in winemaking
In Madiran, Tannat traditionally produced austere, long-lived wines, often softened by blending with grapes such as Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.[5] Modern winemaking techniques, including micro-oxygenation pioneered in the region, have helped tame its tannins while preserving depth and complexity.
In Uruguay, the grape has adapted to a milder Atlantic climate, producing wines of softer tannins and greater approachability. These styles contrast with the more structured French examples and have broadened the grape’s international appeal.[6] Outside its traditional heartlands, winemakers experiment with both varietal Tannat and blends, showcasing its versatility in contemporary viticulture.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 5th ed., DK, 2011, ISBN 978-0756686840.
- ↑ Dulau, Le Tannat et les vins du Sud-Ouest, Éditions Sud Ouest, 2008, ISBN 978-2879019004.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Dulau, Le Tannat et les vins du Sud-Ouest, Éditions Sud Ouest, 2008, ISBN 978-2879019004.