Tannins Are Not the Enemy

As many newer wine drinkers explore a large selection of options some are resistant to red wine varietals.  It’s the astringency in select red varietals that can be off putting.  The sensation is often quizzically described as"biting into a warm wet discarded tea bag."

That is tannin…

Therefore opting for a well-chilled glass of something white with vibrant acidity seems far more thirst quenching and manageable (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.)

Tannins are astringent molecular compounds found in the skins stems and seeds of grapes and with certain aging methods are found in oak wine barrels   Red wine fermentation typically involves contact with skins to achieve color and greater flavor profiles and structure.  Tannins are an integral part of that process.

So why not just reds and drink white?

Tannins are nature’s own preservative and provide balance and structure to many iconic red wine varietals, like Napa Valley Cabernets or Red Bordeaux from the Medoc.  Tannins provide  a natural  defense barrier to oxygenation during the aging process.

Without tannins many iconic red wines, which are meticulously aged could taste more like very expensive vinegar.

If you are still feeling cautious here are four top grape varietals most recognized for pronounced tannins: 

Grapes - Wine Varietals –Geography

·         Nebbiolo- Barolo , Barbaresco  Piedmont Region Italy

·         Cabernet Sauvignon- Napa Valley, Bordeaux – Right Bank, France 

·         Syrah – Rhone Valley France , Shiraz- Australia

·         Tannat- Madiran -Southwest France, Uruguay

For 2016 I’d ask you to open your palate to wines produced from the most tannic grapes. As an option to a long aging process winemakers have produced, blends of these grapes balanced with other less astringent varietals.

The most famous example is Red Bordeaux which includes its favorite native fruit Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.   Even within Bordeaux production, blends vary considerably in tannin levels from the Left bank (St. Emilion) which are Merlot dominant wines to the Right Bank, where Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape and therefore more tannic and requiring longer aging.

Red wine besides having tannins also is often axiomatic of the phrase “good things come to those who wait.”  Like my wife, the good ones only get better with age!

I’d love to hear from you.  This is JR Uncorked first posting with more to follow.