The red grape Tannat has been getting a lot of attention from the wine world in the past couple of years. This robust, dark-skinned variety has traveled from its hometown of Madiran in southwest France to the ocean front vineyards of Uruguay, where is acclaimed as the “national grape”. With concentrated tannins, medium acid content, and full body, Tannat appeals to those enthusiasts looking for a potent red wine while having a bit of fun with an unusual grape.
French Tannat is known for being “rustic”, with opulent astringency, deep purple color and aromas of red berries and anise. It is usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc to soften its structure. In Uruguay, where it was introduced in the 1850’s, the wines express flavors of blackberry, plums and cocoa wrapped around supple tannins. Bodegas Garzon, winner of Wine Enthusiast’s New World winery of the year in 2018, produces different examples of Tannat in Uruguay’s Punta del Este region. Try their younger Reserve with 6 months of oak aging, or their Single Vineyard, made with grapes harvested from family-owned old vines.
Enjoy Tannat with fatty cuts of beef like
ribeye or a hearty beef stew. Another
reason to try Tannat? It has one of the highest contents of heart healthy
antioxidants among all red grapes!
Discover our selection of Tannat
Author: Maytte Rivera
