The grape archive

Tannat

Tannat is a variety with a distinct regional identity.

Typical flavour register

01Blackberry02Plum03Cocoa04Tobacco05Spice

In the glass

A visual taste profile.

These scales describe a representative dry expression. Climate, harvest date, yields and winemaking can move an individual wine in another direction.

1/5

Sweetness

DrySweet

4/5

Acidity

SoftFresh

3/5

Tannin

SilkyFirm

4/5

Body

LightFull

4/5

Fruit

SavouryFruit-led

Where it grows

From origin to the wider vineyard.

The first country is the grape’s principal reference point; the remaining countries show important established cultivation rather than a complete planting census.

South-west France

Core country

Madiran · Uruguay · Irouléguy

MadiranUruguayIrouléguy

A vineyard landscape associated with Tannat — Madiran · UruguayClimate and site shape every expression of Tannat.

Three useful expressions

Fresh & fruit-led

Juicy fruit, moderate extraction and little oak emphasise immediate pleasure.

Classic regional style

The grape’s familiar balance of fruit, structure, spice and place.

Structured & age-worthy

Lower yields, selected sites and careful ageing build concentration and longevity.

Handling

Serve15–18 °C

GlassLarge red-wine glass

Decant30–60 minutes when young

Cellar2–12 years by style

At the table

Pair it by weight, freshness and aroma.

BeefLambDuckBean stewAged cheeseBarbecue

Why Tannat matters

Tannat defines Madiran’s deeply coloured, tannic reds and found a second home in Uruguay, where a warmer climate softens its profile.

The best examples balance the grape’s natural character with climate, soil and cellar choices. Treat the profile as a compass rather than a fixed recipe.

Reference databases and further readingVIVC · Variety database ↗OIV · Vitivinicultural data ↗Wine Folly · Grape guide ↗