Everything About Tannat Grape
"tah-NAHT" 
Tannat Description
Origin: Southwest France
History: Tannat is a red wine grape historically grown in Southwest France, particularly in the Madiran AOC. It is now one of the most prominent grapes in Uruguay, where it is considered the 'national grape.' Tannat is also grown in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, South Africa, and in the Italian region of Apulia, where it is used as a blending grape. In the United States, plantings have increased in states like California, Maryland, and Virginia.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, thick-skinned, deep blue-black berries forming compact clusters.
Growing Traits: Tannat is a vigorous variety that is usually pruned long and must be trellised. It is considered a moderately late variety, reaching peak ripeness rather late, some 3½ weeks after Chasselas. The grape thrives in well-drained soils and benefits from controlled yields to enhance concentration and quality.
Food Pairing Tannat's bold flavors and high tannins make it an excellent match for rich and hearty dishes. It pairs well with roasted or stewed red meats, wild mushrooms, and strong aged cheeses like Roquefort. In Uruguay, the wide variety of Tannat expressions means more versatility in food pairings. Lighter, younger styles are a striking pair for simply grilled meats, with spices to match Tannat’s naturally spicy-tobacco flavors.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Full-bodied with a robust structure, offering depth and intensity. Typically vinified dry, though it is also used in fortified wines like Port, which exhibit higher sweetness levels. High tannin levels, contributing to a firm and structured mouthfeel. Medium to high acidity, providing freshness and balance to its bold flavors. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally ranging from 13% to 15%, depending on the winemaking style and region.
Blackberry 
Plum 
Smoke 
Spices 
Mineral Tannat wines are characterized by their deep color and intense flavor profile. Common tasting notes include blackberry, plum, smoke, and dried spices. The high tannin levels contribute to a firm and structured mouthfeel, while the acidity provides balance and freshness. In regions like Uruguay, Tannat wines may exhibit softer berry qualities due to the temperate climate.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/france.png)
France
•Madiran
•Irouléguy
![[object Object] Region](/regions/uruguay.png)
Uruguay
•Canelones
•Maldonado
![[object Object] Region](/regions/argentina.png)
Argentina
•Salta
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•California
•Virginia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/australia.png)
Australia
•Barossa Valley
•McLaren Vale
Notable Wines and Producers
Bodega Garzón Tannat
•Bodega Garzón
Château Montus Madiran
•Alain Brumont
Pisano RPF Tannat
•Pisano Family Vineyards
Tannat FAQ
Southwest France
Tannat has a body level of 5 out of 5. Which means that Tannat is Full bodied.
Tannat has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Tannat is Dry.
Southwest France
Tannat is grown in France (Madiran, Irouléguy)Uruguay (Canelones, Maldonado)Argentina (Salta)United States (California, Virginia)Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale).
Tannat wines are characterized by their deep color and intense flavor profile. Common tasting notes include blackberry, plum, smoke, and dried spices. The high tannin levels contribute to a firm and structured mouthfeel, while the acidity provides balance and freshness. In regions like Uruguay, Tannat wines may exhibit softer berry qualities due to the temperate climate.
Tannat's bold flavors and high tannins make it an excellent match for rich and hearty dishes. It pairs well with roasted or stewed red meats, wild mushrooms, and strong aged cheeses like Roquefort. In Uruguay, the wide variety of Tannat expressions means more versatility in food pairings. Lighter, younger styles are a striking pair for simply grilled meats, with spices to match Tannat’s naturally spicy-tobacco flavors.
Tannat wines are characterized by their deep color and intense flavor profile. Common tasting notes include blackberry, plum, smoke, and dried spices. The high tannin levels contribute to a firm and structured mouthfeel, while the acidity provides balance and freshness. In regions like Uruguay, Tannat wines may exhibit softer berry qualities due to the temperate climate.