Tannat: the beast tamed by the mountains
One of the most fiercely tannic grapes on earth — and in the sun-blasted high deserts of Salta, it comes out rich, deep and surprisingly velvety.
Some grapes are named for a place, some for a person. Tannat is named for what it does to your mouth: tannin, and lots of it. It is one of the most fiercely tannic red grapes in the world — a brooding, rustic, structured wine that, in the wrong hands, can feel like chewing on a tea bag. Which makes what happens to it in northern Argentina so remarkable. Up in the sun-blasted high deserts of Salta, the same ferocious grape comes out rich, deep and surprisingly velvety. It is one of Argentine wine's best-kept secrets.
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01Tannat in Argentina
From France to South America Tannat comes originally from Madiran, in southwest France, where it makes famously tough, age-worthy…
Leer el capítulo 1 →The tannic character
Argentine Tannat is dark intensely so, ruby-to-black with violet edges.
Leer el capítulo 2 →Pairings (asado!)
Tannat is a meat wine, full stop.
Leer el capítulo 3 →Productores
Here is the trick.
Leer el capítulo 4 →Respuestas rápidas
What is Tannat wine?
Tannat is a bold, deeply colored red grape originally from Madiran in southwest France, named for its naturally high tannin levels. It is the flagship grape of Uruguay and a small but acclaimed specialty in northern Argentina, especially the high-altitude Calchaquí Valley around Cafayate.
Why is Argentine Tannat smoother than other Tannat?
Altitude. In Salta's high deserts, intense sun and ultraviolet light fully ripen Tannat's notoriously harsh tannins, while cold nights keep the wine fresh. Late harvesting and gentle handling turn the grape's aggressive structure into rich, supple, velvety tannins without underripe astringency.
Where is Tannat grown in Argentina?
Mainly in the Calchaquí Valley of Salta, centered on Cafayate at around 1,700 meters and above, with further plantings in San Juan and Mendoza (Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley). It makes up less than 1% of Argentina's red grapes.
What does Argentine Tannat taste like?
Expect a very dark wine with blackberry, black fig and plum fruit, savory eucalyptus and menthol notes, and chocolate or mocha from oak. It is full-bodied and structured, but the best high-altitude examples have ripe, smooth tannins and a long, balanced finish.
What food pairs with Tannat?
Rich, fatty meat — marbled steak, slow-cooked lamb, short ribs, game and hearty stews — plus aged hard cheeses. Its firm tannins are built to cut through fat, making it a natural with the fattier cuts of an asado. Decant young bottles first.