Tannin 101

How To Detect Tannins In Wine

You can detect tannins by how drying a wine feels — it sometimes feels as if they’ve vacuumed all the saliva right out of your mouth! It’s easiest to notice this sensation on your gums and upper inner lips! Similar to the astringent and drying sensation, you get siping black tea (especially if the tea is cold) or eating a square of dark chocolate. Note: It's important to note the difference between bitterness and astringency. Bitterness refers to taste, whereas astringency refers to the feeling - a tactile sensation.

Pairing Tannin With Food

Tannins were built to pair with rich and/or fatty foods. This is because tannins love to bind to proteins. In fact, if there aren't proteins from something you're eating, tannins will simply bind to the proteins in your saliva! (This is what causes the drying sensation, as the tannins bind to protein molecules in your mouth.) When tannin molecules bind onto proteins, they cancel each other out. It also creates a palate-cleansing effect - your palate won't get tired of the weighty flavours (since they are scraped from your palate) and instead will be stimulated to take another bite! Also, the wine’s astringency counteracts fattiness, creating a perfectly balanced (using the contrasting formula) pairing. The brilliance of a fatty steak paired with Cabernet is not just a classic, it's science! Note: Wagyu steak sold separately!

Three Gripping Thrillers

1. Masintín País 2022 This is a lively, light-bodied red with loads of personality. Bright redcurrant, pomegranate, and cherry lead the charge, backed by hints of violet, white pepper, and a subtle earthy edge. There's a touch of smokiness and graphite on the palate, with zippy acidity and fine, gentle tannins. It's a super expressive, minimal-intervention wine that’s perfect for fans of lighter, spicier reds with real lift and character. 2. Familie Mantler 'Good Vibes' Zweigelt 2023 This Austrian Zweigelt is a vibrant, youthful red packed with juicy, crunchy red plums, blackberries and baked red cherries. On the nose, you’ll also notice lovely floral and herbaceous notes - think violets and dried herbs with a subtle peppery spice adding a little kick. The finish is wonderfully leafy, peppery, and spicy, bringing a nice contrast to the fruity core. Perfect for anyone who loves a touch of bitterness and a wine with plenty of personality! 3. Tenuta Viglione 'Circles' Negroamaro 2024 Well, we are well and truly in Italy now with this wine, with a big whack of spice that will hit you through the covers for four runs with a little defensive push in the form of some raspberries and blueberries. The palate is a real powerhouse, with the fruit coming through in a wash and then the herbs and spices powering through the end. There is a lovely balance of tannin and spice to finish as well.