Tannat

Tannat is a dark-skinned grape variety originating from South West France. It is widely planted in Uruguay, where it is the nation's signature variety and is now grown in many parts of the world, including the United States and Australia.

Tannat grapes produce deep-coloured wines with intense aromas of plum, blackberry, black cherry and spice. On the palate, the wines are full-bodied and extremly tannic, with concentrated flavours and notes of leather, smoke and pepper.

Tannat is most famously grown in Uruguay, where it is the country's signature variety. It is also grown in France, particularly in the Madiran and Cahors regions, as well as California, Arizona, Australia and New Zealand. Tannat is a vigorous variety and is best suited to hot, dry climates. It is a high-yielding variety and is best harvested late to maximize ripeness and tannin concentration. The variety's thick skins and high tannins require a careful and short maceration and a long aging period. In France, Madiran wines are usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Fer to reduce the tannins. In Cahors, Tannat wines are often blended with Merlot and Malbec, while in Uruguay, Tannat wines are mostly released as single varietal wines. Tannat's bold tannins and intense flavours make it an ideal wine for pairing with rich, full-flavoured dishes. It pairs particularly well with red meats, game and casseroles.

Tannat wines have been found to have some of the highest levels of procyanidins, a class of antioxidants that may have health benefits.