What Are Tannins and How Do They Affect Taste?
Ever taken a sip of red wine and felt your mouth go dry, almost puckering? That sensation isn’t just from the alcohol or acidity—it’s thanks to tannins.
Let’s into the world of tannins: what they are, where they come from, and how they influence the taste and texture of your favorite wines.
What Are Tannins in Wine?
Tannins are a natural characteristic of red wine, derived primarily from the skins of the grapes. The level of tannin in any given wine depends on two main factors:
The grape variety used
How the wine is made (especially whether the skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation)
While tannins can sometimes add a subtle bitterness, their main role is structural. You don’t really taste tannins—you feel them. That dry, slightly chalky or grippy sensation in your mouth after a sip? That’s tannin doing its thing.
How Do Tannins Affect the Taste of Wine?
Tannins play a major role in:
Mouthfeel: They give wine its structure and texture—often described as firm or grippy.
Balance: Tannins can offset richness in food or fruitiness in wine.
Aging potential: Wines with high tannin levels often age well, softening over time to develop complexity.
If you're sensitive to bitterness or don’t love a dry mouthfeel, you may prefer red wines that are lower in tannins. But if you enjoy bold, structured wines that stand up to rich meals, tannins might be your best friend.
Examples of High and Low Tannin Wines
High-Tannin Wines
These wines tend to be bold, structured, and ideal for pairing with rich, fatty dishes:
Red Bordeaux
Chianti
Low-Tannin Wines
These wines are softer, fruitier, and more approachable for newer wine drinkers:
Beaujolais
Pinot Noir
Pro tip: If you're not sure how much tannin you enjoy, tasting wines side-by-side—like a Chianti and a Beaujolais—can help you understand your preferences.
Why Tannins Matter
Tannins aren’t just a technical term for sommeliers—they’re central to how you experience wine. Whether you’re savoring a glass solo or pairing it with food, understanding tannins can help you:
Choose the right wine for your palate
Find better pairings with meals
Know what to save and store and what to sip now
Feeling the Tannin?
Next time you pour a red, pay attention to how your mouth feels after you sip. Is it smooth and soft—or dry and grippy? That tactile experience tells you a lot about the tannin level.
And remember, not all red wines are created equal when it comes to tannins. Knowing which grapes and styles match your taste makes wine more approachable—and way more fun.
