Wine Tannins: What's Good, Bad, and Better?
That bitter, astringent taste in a glass of red comes from wine tannins. So, are they good? Bad? And, how do you find wines with smooth tannins? Let’s break down this important trait found primarily in red wines so that you can find more wines that you love.
Tannins Are Good For You
The good news is grape tannins contain exceptionally high levels of antioxidants. The bad news? Wine tannins taste astringent and bitter.
Some of the polyphenol compounds (aka tannins) we've found in grapes are used in high end vitamins. Need some examples? Resveratrol, Epicatechin, Catechin, and Ellagitannin.
How to Find Your Style
There are several factors that affect the taste and astringency of tannin in wine.
- Grape Variety
- Ripeness level
- Climate
- Winemaking method
Wines Mentioned
Bodega Garzón
2020 Tannat Reserve
Maldonado | Maldonado
Our Tannat Reserva is a wine of generous body and structured palate,
characterized by its intense color, its nose of black fruits and mineral notes
while a balanced acidity reinforces its elegance and voltage.
Juicy, concentrated well balanced ripe tannins. Well structured, elegant with minerality and voltage (acidiy).
Aromas in palate are black ripe plums, quince, and gunpowder.
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