tannat

Tannat is a red grape variety from France and is best known as the dominant grape variety in the Madiran appellation in south-west France. The grape is thick-skinned and produces deeply coloured, well-structured wines that can, however, be harsh and austere when young due to their tannin content. With ageing, however, the massive tannins become rounded while the wine develops nuances of spice, coffee, cocoa and vanilla. In Madiran, Tannat is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Fer. Overseas, this grape variety is particularly widespread in Uruguay and now also in Argentina, where it is known as Harriague. There are also winemakers in Australia, such as Topper’s Mountain Wines, who cultivate Tannat and produce great wines from it.