Tannat is a red wine grape that is native to the southwest of France in the Madiran region. It has become very popular in recent years due to its high levels of antioxidants, such as resveratrol. It is also known for its characteristic tannin structure, which gives it a unique depth of flavor. With modern winemaking techniques, Tannat can be aged in oak barrels for up to 20 months before being released, making it a complex and powerful wine that can stand up to robust dishes or be enjoyed on its own.
If you're looking for some great Tannat wines, you'll be spoilt for choice with the many brands that are now available. Here are some of the top Tannat wines and their producers:
Familia Torres from Spain produces one of the most popular and well-regarded Tannats on the market today. Their wines are full-bodied, with intense blackberry and plum flavors balanced by hints of spice and earthiness. They are aged in oak barrels for 12 months before being released.
Bodega Catena from Argentina is another renowned producer of Tannat wines. Their version is known for its deep ruby color, intense aromas of dark fruit, and smooth tannins that linger on the palate.
Vega Sicilia from Spain produces a unique version of Tannat wine that has been barrel-aged for 18 months prior to release. This gives it an incredibly rich flavor profile with notes of dark cherry, currant, tobacco, and licorice that linger on the palate.
Henschke from Australia produces a full-bodied Tannat with flavors of ripe cherries and blackberries complemented by hints of pepper spice and dark chocolate. It's aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before being bottled.
Concha y Toro from Chile produces a more fruit-forward style of Tannat with aromas of raspberry and blackberry jam alng with chocolatey notes on the palate. It's aged in American oak barrels for 12 months prior to bottling giving it an extra layer complexity and depth of flavor.
Penfolds from Australia offers a more delicate style of Tannat with flavors reminiscent of blackberry preserves topped off with hints of pepper spice, licorice and leathery tannins on the finish. It's aged in French oak barrels for 12 months prior to bottling which gives it an extra layer complexity as well as softening out some harsh tannins making it exceptionally drinkable even when young.
Domaine de la Romanée Conti from France produces a very special version of Tannat made solely from vines grown at their estate vineyard in Burgundy using traditional winemaking methods handed down through generations since 1772! This wine has an intensely fruity nose giving way to luscious mouthfeel filled with flavors ranging from ripe cherries to earthy mushrooms all wrapped up nicely in velvety tannins – truly something special!
CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) also offers an excellent example made solely from old vines located near Rioja which have been fermented using traditional methods such as carbonic maceration giving this wine lots complexity as well as juicy acidity – perfect if you're looking for something a bit different!
Whether you're looking for something nuanced or big bold flavors these producers offer some truly amazing expressions showcasing what this varietal can do!
Wines Produced Using Tannat Grapes
Tannat grapes are widely used to produce wines in the Southwest of France. Madiran is the most famous Tannat-based wine and is made in the foothills of the Pyrenees. It has a robust, full-bodied character with high tannin levels and notes of dark fruit, spice and leather. Irouléguy, Tursan and Béarn also produce Tannat wine, although it makes up a smaller percentage of the blends. These wines tend to be aged for abot 20 months in oak casks to soften the tannins and bring out more fruit flavors. They have a distinctive structure with a deep purple color and aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum and spices such as cloves or nutmeg.
The Characteristics of Tannat Wine
Tannat is a full-bodied, bold red wine with deep dark colors and vibrant acidity. It has a dry, tannic structure that gives it a bold character, and its high levels of antioxidants—such as resveratrol—make it an especially healthy choice among red wines. Tannat typically offers flavors of dark fruits like blackberries and plums, with hints of spice, tobacco, and licorice on the finish. Newer clones of the grape are improving its structure without sacrificing its complexity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tannat is a unique red wine grape that produces powerful and complex wines with a smooth and broad-shouldered character. It has been gaining increasing popularity due to its high levels of antioxidants, like resveratrol, and its modern winemaking techniques that emphasize fruity flavors and oak aging for tannin softening. Some of the best Tannat wine brands include Familia Torres from Spain, Bodega Catena from Argentina, Vega Sicilia from Spain, Henschke from Australia, Concha Y Toro from Chile, Penfolds from Australia, Domaine de la Romanée Conti from France, and CVNE from Spain. All of tese brands offer high quality Tannat wines that are sure to please any enthusiast's palate.
